FACING LAST.DAY DECE IONS
SENIOR DIVISION, No- Z81, THIRD QUARTER, 1965
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THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on
mind and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study
of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give
vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's
Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a
nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."—
Steps to Christ,
page 9o.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge
myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath school
lesson each day of the week.
Nate
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
Promises to the Obedient
2.
False Arguments for Disobedience
3.
Assault on the Character of God
4.
Man's Condition in Death
5.
Spiritism a Snare
6.
The Last Great Deception
7.
Attacks on God's Law
8.
Attempts to Destroy the Sabbath
9.
The Sabbath--Great Test of Loyalty
10.
Meeting Attacks on the Bible
11.
Stewardship and the Final Crisis
12.
Assaults Against the Ordinances
13.
Satan's Last Stand
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 281, July-September, 1965. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a
Year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A.
by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View,
California 94041. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579
requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
Copyright, 1965, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
FACING LAST-DAY DECEPTIONS
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
This quarter's lessons will engage the stu-
dent in a realistic discussion of the general
subject of last-day deceptions. Our purpose
will be to expose Satan's attempts through
the centuries to delude God's people into
believing that obedience to God is not im-
portant. Satan's attacks upon the church
have not diminished in these climactic days
when every wind of doctrine is blowing.
The enemy is still trying to persuade the
members of the church that some of its
doctrines are unimportant and that dis-
obedience to God's commands will be ex-
cused under certain circumstances. It is pos-
sible that the salvation of human souls will
depend upon a proper grasp and apprehen-
sion of these lessons.
The first lessons consider the question of
the importance of obedience and false argu-
ments on behalf of disobedience. Later
lessons deal with the enemy's attempts to
warp men's minds and lead them to ignore
or reject vital truths essential to our re-
demption.
"Messages of every order and kind have
been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists, to
take the place of the truth which, point by
point, has been sought out by prayerful
study, and testified to by the miracle-work-
ing power of the Lord. Dut the waymarks
which have made us what we are, are to be
preserved, and they will be preserved, as
God has signified through His Word and
the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon
us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to
the fundamental principles that are based
upon unquestionable authority."—Counsels
to Writers and Editors,
page 52.
Lesson 1, for July 3, 1965
Promises to the Obedient
MEMORY VERSE:
"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the
land." Isaiah 1:19.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps to Christ," chapters, "Faith and Acceptance" and "The Test
of Discipleship;" "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
- AIM:
To discover the relationship between God's promises and the life of obedi-
ence.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin
reading study helps.
Monday: Questions 3-6.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9; read
Check Here
further from study helps.
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
Thursday: Question 14; finish
reading study helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
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Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Christ an Example of Obedience
1.
Kept Father's commandments.
John 15:10.
2.
Obedient unto death. Phil. 2:8.
II. Abraham an Example of Obedience
3.
Left home and country. Gen.
12:1, 4.
4.
Willing to obey God at any cost.
Gen. 22:2, 3, 9-13.
5.
Received the promise of the seed.
Gen. 22:16-18.
6.
Faith made obedience possible.
Heb. 11:8, 17-19.
III. Relation Between Faith and
Obedience
7.
Faith and obedience go together.
James 2:21-24.
8.
Beware of an unbelieving heart.
Heb. 3:12, 13.
9.
Faith that works by love. Gal. 5:6.
IV. Obedience Necessary
10.
Grace makes us obedient. Rom. 1:5.
11.
Obedience purifies the soul. 1 Peter
1:22, 23.
12.
Priests and Gentiles become obedi-
ent. Acts 6:7; Rom. 15:18.
13.
Destruction for the disobedient. 2
Thess. 1:7-9.
14.
Faithful and obedient inherit the
land. Isa. 1:19; Heb. 6:10-12.
THE LESSON
2:17. If we had to bear anything which
Jesus did not endure, then upon this point
Satan would represent the power of God as
insufficient for us. Therefore Jesus was 'in
all points tempted like as we are.' Heb. 4:15.
He endured every trial to which we are
subject. And He exercised in His own be-
half no power that is not freely offered to
us. As man, He met temptation, and over-
came in the strength given Him from God.
. . . His life testifies that it is possible for
us also to obey the law of God."-The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 24.
2. How full and complete was
Christ's obedience? Phil. 2:8. Com-
pare Heb. 5:8.
Introduction
Satan's delusions through the centuries
have been aimed at making belief and obe-
dience seem unimportant and unnecessary.
The aim of this lesson is to show that faith
and obedience have always been associated
together in the plan of God. This will be
illustrated first in the life of Christ, and
then in the life of Abraham. The lesson
will then show that faith and obedience
go together in the gospel dispensation.
Christ an Example of Obedience
1. What did Christ say of His obe-
dience to the Father's commandments?
John 15:10.
NOTE.
-"Satan
represents God's law of
love as a law of selfishness. He declares
that it is impossible for us to obey its pre-
cepts. The fall of our first parents, with
all the woe that has resulted, he charges
upon the Creator, leading men to look upon
God as the author of sin, and suffering, and
death. Jesus was to unveil this deception.
As one of us He was to give an example
of obedience. For this He took upon Him-
self our nature, and passed through our
experiences. 'In all things it behooved Him
to be made like unto His brethren.' Heb.
NOTE.
-"Satan's
rage was great as he saw
that all the abuse inflicted upon the Saviour
had not forced the least murmur from His
lips. Although He had taken upon Him,
the nature of man, He was sustained by a
godlike fortitude, and departed in no par-
ticular from the will of His Father."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 735.
Abraham an Example of
Obedience
3. How did Abraham obey a diffi-
cult command from God? Gen. 12:1, 4.
4
NoTE.—"The Lord's call required Abram
to make a complete break with the past.
He not only had to leave the land of the
two rivers, Mesopotamia, in which Ur as
well as Haran was situated, but also had
to give up family ties and even his father's
house, never to return to those of his own
blood and race. It was a severe test. Haran
and Ur shared the same civilization and
standards of living. All this would change
immediately when he should leave the land
of the two rivers and cross over to Syria
and Palestine. Instead of fertile grazing
lands he would find a heavily wooded and
mountainous country. Instead of living
among related and highly civilized Semitic
tribes he would be sojourning among ra-
cially different Hamitic tribes of a materi-
ally lower cultural level.
"It certainly must not have been easy for
Abram to sever all ties with his beloved
homeland, a land in which he had spent
all of his life and which was hallowed by
many tender associations. A youth may
leave his native land with little regret, but
to a man 75 years of age such a decision
is not
easy."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on Gen. 12:1.
4.
What severe test later came to
this man of God, and what did it
prove? Gen. 22:2, 3, 9-13.
NoTE,—"At the appointed place they
[Abraham and Isaac] built the altar and
laid the wood upon it. Then, with trem-
bling voice, Abraham unfolded to his son
the divine message. It was with terror and
amazement that Isaac learned his fate, but
he offered no resistance. He could have
escaped his doom, had he chosen to do so;
the grief-stricken old man, exhausted with
the struggle of those three terrible days,
could not have opposed the will of the
vigorous youth. But Isaac had been trained
from childhood to ready, trusting obedi-
ence, and as the purpose of God was opened
before him, he yielded a willing submission."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 152.
5.
In expressing approval of Abra-
ham's dedication and obedience, what
precious promise did God make? Gen.
22:16-18.
6.
What did Abraham possess that
made such obedience possible? Heb.
11:8, 17-19.
NOTE.—"There are many who fail to un-
derstand the relation of faith and works.
They say, 'Only believe in Christ, and
you are safe. You have nothing to do with
keeping the law.' But genuine faith will be
manifest in obedience."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
pages 153, 154.
Relation Between Faith and
Obedience
7.
What did James say about Abra-
ham's faith? James 2:21-24.
NoTE.—"There is many a man in the
humble walks of life today whom the Lord
might designate as He did Abraham: 'The
friend of God.' Such men approve that
which God approves, and condemn that
which He condemns. In their presence even
the sinner feels a sense of awe, a restraint;
for God is with them, and they are living
epistles, known and read of all men. There
is a softened tenderness, a dignity, a divine
propriety, in their deportment, which gives
them power over the hearts of their fellow-
men."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 615.
8.
What warning and exhortation
was given to the Hebrew believers?
Heb. 3:12, 13.
9.
What is the only kind of faith
worthy of the name? Gal. 5:6. Com-
pare Rom. 16:26.
NOTE.—"Some think they have a good
degree of faith, when if they have any, it
is dead, for it is not sustained by works.
`Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being
alone.' Few have that genuine faith which
works by love and purifies the soul. But
all who are accounted worthy of everlasting
life must obtain a moral fitness for the
same."—Testimonies, vol. 1,
pp. 704, 705.
Obedience Necessary
10.
For what purpose have we been
given grace through Christ? Rom. 1:5.
Compare 2 Cor. 10:5.
NOTE.—The purpose of divine grace is not
to make it possible for us to break God's
law with impunity, as some teach, but to
enable us to obey it.
11.
What spiritual experience ac-
companies wholehearted obedience to
the truth? 1 Peter 1:22, 23.
NoTE.--"Individuals are tested and
proved a length of time to see if they will
sacrifice their idols and heed the counsel
of the True Witness. If any will not be
purified through obeying the truth, and
overcome their selfishness, their pride, and
evil passions, the angels of God have the
charge: 'They are joined to their idols, let
them alone,' and they pass on to their work,
leaving these with their sinful traits unsub-
dued, to the control of evil angels. Those
who come up to every point, and stand
every test, and overcome, be the price what
it may, have heeded the counsel of the True
Witness, and they will receive the latter
rain, and thus be fitted for translation."—
Testimonies, vol. 1,
p. 187.
12.
In New Testament times, what
examples are given of the obedience
that followed conversion? Acts 6:7;
Rom. 15:18.
13.
What is said of the final end
of the disobedient? 2 Thess. 1:7-9.
14.
What is the final reward of
those in whose lives faith is combined
with obedience? Isa. 1:19; Heb. 6:
10-12.
Nora.—Faith and patience, willingness
and obedience ultimately inherit the prom-
ises.
"Here are the promises, plain and definite,
rich and full; but they are all upon con-
ditions. If you comply with the conditions,
can you not trust the Lord to fulfill His
word? Let these blessed promises, set in the
framework of faith, be placed in memory's
halls. Not one of them will fail. All that
God hath spoken He will do. 'He is faithful
that
promised.'"—Testimonies, vol. 5,
p.
630.
Lesson 2, for July 10, 1965
False Arguments for Disobedience
MEMORY VERSE:
"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the
fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," chapters 3, 4; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary"; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To examine Satan's arguments for disobedience as they contrast with
the unerring counsel of the True Witness.
[
61
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
further from study helps.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Wednesday: Questions 9-12.
Monday: Questions 5, 6; begin
Thursday: Questions 13, 14; finish
reading study helps.
reading study helps.
Tuesday: Questions 7, 8; read
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. "God Does Not Really Mean What
He Says"
1.
"Thou shalt surely die." Gen.
2:16, 17.
2.
Ye shall not surely die. Gen.
3:4, 5.
3.
Result of deception. Gen. 3:6, 7.
4.
Consequences of disobedience. Gen.
3:14-19; Rom. 5:12.
II. "A Substitute Is Just as Good"
5.
Cain and Abel. Gen. 4:3-5.
6.
Consequence of Cain's disobedience.
Gen. 4:8.
III. "Disobedience Will Actually Aid
God"
7. Instruction regarding holy things.
Num. 4:15.
8. Uzzah's disregard of instruction.
2 Sam: 6:6,
-
7.
IV. "Disobedience Is All Right if It
Brings Greater Honor to God"
9. God's command regarding Amale-
kites. 1 Sam. 15:2, 3.
10. Saul's disobedience and excuse.
1. Sam. 15:9, 15.
11. Importance of unquestioning obedi-
ence. 1 Sam. 15:22.
V. "Obedience Is Not Always
Possible"
12. Israelites thought it impossible to
subdue Canaan. Num. 13:32, 33;
14:2-4, 28-31.
VI. "Obey Men for Fear of Personal
Harm"
13. Saul's excuse. 1 Sam. 15:24.
14. The Christian's guiding principle;
Acts 5:29; Rev. 2:10.
THE LESSON
withhold from them? What would be
the result of disobedience? Gen. 2:
16, 17.
Introduction
One basic delusion Satan has urged upon
men for centuries is that obedience to God
in all things is not really desirable or neces-
sary. He has used many arguments to make
his point sound conclusive, and many of
these are being repeated by men today.
Every conscientious Christian who recog-
nizes their origin is in a position to reject
them intelligently. The section headings of
this lesson give some of the arguments that
have been used in favor of disobedience.
"God Does Not Really Mean What
He Says"
1. What rights did God give to our
first parents in Eden, and what did He
NOTE.-
"Our
first parents, though created
innocent and holy, were not placed beyond
the possibility of wrongdoing. God made
them free moral agents, capable of ap-
preciating the wisdom and benevolence of
His character and the justice of. His require-
ments, and with full liberty to yield or to
withhold obedience. They were to enjoy
communion with God and with holy angels;
but before they could be rendered eternally
secure, their loyalty must be tested. At the
very beginning of man's existence a check
was placed upon the desire for self-indul-
gence, the fatal passion that lay at the
foundation of Satan's fall. The tree of
knowledge, which stood near the tree of
life in the midst of the garden, was to be a
test of the obedience, faith, and love of our
first parents. While permitted to eat freely
of every other tree, they were forbidden to
taste of this, on pain of death. They were
also to be exposed to the temptations of
Satan; but if they endured the trial, they
would finally be placed beyond his power,
to enjoy perpetual favor with God."—Pa-
triarchs and Prophets,
pages 48, 49.
2.
What was Satan's first argument
in favor of disobedience? Gen.
3:4, 5.
Nora.—"If Satan's first question was in-
tended to arouse doubt, as indeed it was, the
statement with which he followed it up had
the deceptive appearance of an authoritative
declaration. But therein truth was most
cleverly mixed with falsehood. This asser-
tion contradicted God's explicit command
in the most emphatic manner of which He-
brew is capable, and which may be ren-
dered, 'Ye will positively not die.' Satan
challenged the truthfulness of God's word
by an unconcealed lie, for which reason
Christ was right in calling him the father
of lies (John 8:44)."—S.D.A.
Bible Com-
mentary,
on Gen. 3:4.
3.
What did Eve do as the result of
being deceived, and with what result?
Gen. 3:6, 7.
NOTE.—"Eve really believed the words of
Satan, but her belief did not save her from
the penalty of sin. She disbelieved the
words of God, and this was what led to her
fall."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 55.
4.
What were the fearful conse-
quences of disobedience? Gen. 3:14-
19; Rom. 5:12.
"A Substitute Is Just as Good"
5.
How did God acknowledge
Abel's offering and show disapproval
for Cain's substitute? Gen. 4:3-5.
Compare Heb. 11:4.
NorE.—"These brothers were tested, as
Adam had been tested before them, to
prove whether they would believe and obey
the word of God. They were acquainted
with the provision made for the salvation
of man, and understood the system of offer-
ings which God had ordained. They knew
that in these offerings they were to express
faith in the Saviour whom the offerings
typified, and at the same time to acknowl-
edge their total dependence on Him for
pardon; and they knew that by thus con-
forming to the divine plan for their redemp-
tion, they were giving proof of their obedi-
ence to the will of God. Without the
shedding of blood there could be no re-
mission of sin; and they were to show their
faith in the blood of Christ as the prom-
ised atonement by offering the firstlings of
the flock in
sacrifice."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 71.
6.
What was the unhappy conse-
quence of Cain's willful disobedi-
ence? Gen. 4:8.
NOTE.—"Cain hated and killed his
brother, not for any wrong that Abel had
done, but 'because his own works were
evil, and his brother's righteous.' 1 John
3:12. So in all ages the wicked have
hated those who were better than them-
selves. Abel's life of obedience and un-
swerving faith was to Cain a perpetual re-
proof. 'Everyone that doeth evil hateth the
light, neither cometh to the light, lest his
deeds should be reproved.' John 3:20. The
brighter the heavenly light that is reflected
from the character of God's faithful ser-
vants, the more clearly the sins of the un-
godly are revealed, and the more determined
will be their efforts to destroy those who
disturb their
peace."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 74.
"Disobedience Will Actually Aid
God"
7.
What instruction had God given
about moving the ark of the cove-
nant? Num. 4:15.
[ .8
I
"Time is short, and our
forces must be organized to
do a larger
work."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 9, p. 27.
NOTE.—"Through Moses the Lord had
given special instruction concerning the
transportation of the ark. None but the
priests, the descendants of Aaron, were to
touch it, or even to look upon it uncovered.
The divine direction was, 'The sons of
Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall
not touch any holy thing, lest they die.'
Numbers
4:15."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 705.
8.
Despite this warning, what did
Uzzah presume to do, and with what
result? 2 Sam. 6:6, 7.
NOTE.—"Upon Uzzah rested the greater
guilt of presumption. Transgression of
God's law had lessened his sense of its
sacredness, and with unconfessed sins upon
him he had, in face of the divine prohibi-
tion, presumed to touch the symbol of
God's presence. God can accept no partial
obedience, no lax way of treating His com-
mandments. By the judgment upon Uzzah
He designed to impress upon all Israel the
importance of giving strict heed to His re-
quirements. Thus the death of that one
man, by leading the people to repentance,
might prevent the necessity of inflicting
judgments upon thousands."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 706.
"Disobedience Is All Right if It
Brings Greater Honor to God"
9.
What command did God give
King Saul regarding the Amalekites?
1 Sam. 15:2, 3.
NOTE.—"The Amalekites had been the
first to make war upon Israel in the wilder-
ness; and for this sin, together with their
defiance of God and their debasing idolatry,
the Lord, through Moses, had pronounced
sentence upon them. By divine direction
the history of their cruelty toward Israel
had been recorded, with the command,
`Thou shalt blot out the remembrance of
Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not
forget it.' Deuteronomy 25:19. For four
hundred years the execution of this sentence
had been deferred; but the Amalekites had
not turned from their sins. The Lord knew
that this wicked people would, if it were
possible, blot out His people and His wor-
ship from the earth. Now the time had
come for the sentence, so long delayed, to
be executed."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
pages 627, 628.
10.
How did Saul and the people
disobey this command, and with what
explanation? 1 Sam. 15:9, 15.
NoTE.—"Ambitious to heighten the honor
of his triumphal return by the presence of
a royal captive, Saul ventured to imitate
the customs of the nations around him and
spared Agag, the fierce and warlike king of
the Amalekites. The people reserved for
themselves the finest of the flocks, herds,
and beasts of burden, excusing their sin on
the ground that the cattle were reserved to
be offered as sacrifices to the Lord. It was
their purpose, however, to use these merely
as a substitute, to save their own cattle."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 629.
11.
In the divinely inspired rebuke
which followed, what great principle
did Samuel enunciate? 1 Sam. 15:22.
NoTE.—"When, in direct violation of
God's command, Saul proposed to present
a sacrifice of that which God had devoted
to destruction, open contempt was shown
for the divine authority. The service would
have been an insult to Heaven. Yet with
the sin of Saul and its result before us, how
many are pursuing a similar course. While
they refuse to believe and obey some re-
quirement of the Lord, they persevere in
offering up to God their formal services of
religion. There is no response of the Spirit
of God to such service. No matter how
1
9]
zealous men may be in their observance of
religious ceremonies, the Lord cannot accept
them if they persist in willful violation of
one of His commands."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
page 634.
"Obedience Is Not Always
Possible"
12. What was the result of the evil
report given by the ten spies? Num.
13:32, 33; 14:2-4, 28-31. Compare
Heb. 3:18, 19.
NoTE.—"The decree that Israel was not
to enter Canaan for forty years was a bitter
disappointment to Moses and Aaron, Caleb
and Joshua; yet without a murmur they
accepted the divine decision. But those who
had been complaining of God's dealings
with them, and declaring that they would
return to Egypt, wept and mourned greatly
when the blessings which they had despised
were taken from them. They had com-
plained at nothing, and now God gave them
cause to weep. Had they mourned for their
sin when it was faithfully laid before them,
this sentence would not have been pro-
nounced; but they mourned for the judg-
ment; their sorrow was not repentance, and
could not secure a reversing of their
sen-
tence."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 392.
"Obey Men for Fear of Personal
Harm"
13.
What excuse did Saul give for
his disobedience? 1 Sam. 15:24.
14.
To what extent does God expect
His people to be faithful? Acts 5:29;
Rev. 2:10.
NoTE.—"It is better to die than to sin;
better to want than to defraud; better to
hunger than to
lie."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p.
495.
"Choose poverty, reproach, separation
from friends, or any suffering rather than
to defile the soul with sin. Death before
dishonor or the transgression of God's law
should be the motto of every Christian."—
Ibid., vol.
5, p. 147.
Lesson 3, for July 17, 1965
Assault on the Character of God
MEMORY VERSE:
"As I
live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death
of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn
ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, 0 house of Israel?" Ezek. 33:11.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 33; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;"
"S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To examine Satan's attacks on God's character in which he attributes to God
the cruelties of his own nature, and to study how to meet those attacks.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin
reading study helps.
Monday: Questions 4-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8, 9; read
[
Check Here
further from study helps.
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
Thursday: Finish study helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
10,1
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. God's Character
1.
Attributes of God. 1 John 4:8; Ex.
34:5-7.
2.
Good to all. Ps. 145:9; Matt.
5:44, 45.
3.
Attitude toward wicked. Ezek.
33:11.
II. Fate of the Wicked
4.
The unrepentant will perish. Luke
13:3.
5.
The final end of sinners. Rom.
6:23 ; Ezek. 18:4; Rev. 21:8.
6.
Complete destruction to sinners.
Mal. 4:1.
7. Wicked not now in hell. 2 Peter 2:9;
3:7; Matt. 25:31-34, 41, 46.
8. Second death after the millennium.
Rev. 20:5, 9, 14.
9. Reduced to ashes. Mal. 4:3 ; 2 Peter
2:6.
III. Satan's "Opposite Error"
10. Belief that God of love cannot de-
stroy anyone.
11. God will not save the unrepentant.
Ex. 34:7; Isa. 3:10, 11.
12. God's "strange" act. Isa. 28:21.
IV. God's Plan for the Obedient
13. God's promise to those who obey.
Rev. 22:14.
THE LESSON
a revengeful tyrant, declaring that He
plunges into hell all those who do not please
Him, and causes them ever to feel His
wrath; and that while they suffer unutter-
able anguish and writhe in the eternal
flames, their Creator looks down upon
them with satisfaction."-The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 534.
2. How great is God's goodness,
and how does He demonstrate it? Ps.
145:9; Matt. 5:44, 45.
Introduction
"It is beyond the power of the human
mind to estimate the evil which has been
wrought by the heresy of eternal torment.
The religion of the Bible, full of love and
goodness, and abounding in compassion, is
darkened by superstition and clothed with
terror. When we consider in what false
colors Satan has painted the character of
God, can we wonder that our merciful
Creator is feared, dreaded, and even hated?
The appalling views of God which have
spread over the world from the teachings
of the pulpit have made thousands, yes, mil-
lions, of skeptics and infidels."-The
Great
Controversy,
page 536.
God's Character
1. What are some of the attributes
ascribed to God? 1 John 4:8; Ex.
34:5-7.
NoTE.-"After the Fall, Satan bade his
angels make a special effort to inculcate the
belief in man's natural immortality; and
having induced the people to receive this
error, they were to lead them on to con-
clude that the sinner would live in eternal
misery. Now the prince of darkness, work-
ing through his agents, represents God as
NoTE.-"Satan is seeking to overcome
men today, as he overcame our first parents,
by shaking their confidence in their Crea-
tor and leading them to doubt the wisdom
of His government and the justice of His
laws. Satan and his emissaries represent
God as even worse than themselves, in or-
der to justify their own malignity and re-
bellion. The great deceiver endeavors to
shift his own horrible cruelty of character
upon our heavenly Father, that he may
cause himself to appear as one greatly
wronged by his expulsion from heaven be-
cause he would not submit to so unjust a
governor. He presents before the world the
liberty which they may enjoy under his
mild sway, in contrast with the bondage im-
posed by the stern decrees of Jehovah. Thus
he succeeds in luring souls away from their
allegiance to God."-The
Great Contro-
versy,
pages 534, 535.
3.
What is God's attitude toward
the ultimate punishment of the
wicked? Ezek. 33:11.
NOTE.—"How repugnant to every emo-
tion of love and mercy, and even to our
sense of justice, is the doctrine that the
wicked dead are tormented with fire and
brimstone in an eternally burning hell; that
for the sins of a brief earthly life they are
to suffer torture as long as God shall live.
Yet this doctrine has been widely taught
and is still embodied in many of the creeds
of Christendom. . . .
"Where, in the pages of God's Word, is
such teaching to be found? Will the re-
deemed in heaven be lost to all emotions of
pity and compassion, and even to feelings
of common humanity? Are these to be
exchanged for the indifference of the stoic
or the cruelty of the savage? No, no; such
is not the teaching of the Book of God.
Those who present [such] views . . . may
be learned and even honest men, but they
are deluded by the sophistry of Satan. He
leads them to misconstrue strong expres-
sions of Scripture, giving to the language
the coloring of bitterness and malignity
which pertains to himself, but not to our
Creator. `As I live, saith the Lord God, I
have no pleasure in the death of the wicked;
but that the wicked turn from his way and
live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways;
for why will ye die?' Ezekiel 33:
11."—The
Great Controversy,
page 535.
The Fate of the Wicked
4.
What will be the fate of those
who do not repent? Luke 13:3.
5.
What will be the final result of
sin? Rom. 6:23; Ezek. 18:4; Rev. 21:8.
NoTE.—"The theory of eternal torment is
one of the false doctrines that constitute the
wine of the abomination of Babylon, of
which she makes all nations drink. Reve-
lation 14:8; 17:2. That ministers of Christ
should have accepted this heresy and pro-
claimed it from the sacred desk is indeed a
mystery. They received it from Rome, as
they received the false sabbath. True, it has
been taught by great and good men; but
the light on this subject had not come to
them as it has come to us. They were
responsible only for the light which shone
in their time; we are accountable for that
which shines in our day. If we turn from
the testimony of God's Word, and accept
false doctrines because our fathers taught
them, we fall under the condemnation pro-
nounced upon Babylon; we are drinking of
the wine of her abomination."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 536.
6.
What do the Scriptures teach
about how completely the wicked will
be destroyed? Mal. 4:1.
NoTE.—"Satan, the root of every sin, and
all evil workers, who are his branches, shall
be utterly cut off. An end will be made of
sin, with all the woe and ruin that have
resulted from it. Says the psalmist, 'Thou
hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put
out their name forever and ever. 0 thou
enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual
end.' Psalm 9:5,
6."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 341.
7.
When will the wicked suffer the
fires of hell? 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7; Matt.
25:31-34, 41, 46.
NOTE.—"And how utterly revolting is the
belief that as soon as the breath leaves the
body the soul of the impenitent is consigned
to the flames of hell! To what depths of
anguish must those be plunged who see
their friends passing to the grave unpre-
pared, to enter upon an eternity of woe and
sin! Many have been driven to insanity by
this harrowing thought."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 545.
8.
Describe the circumstances of the
destruction of the wicked. Rev. 20:
5, 9, 14.
NOTE.—"In mercy to the world, God blot-
ted out its wicked inhabitants in Noah's
time. In mercy He destroyed the corrupt
12
dwellers in Sodom. Through the deceptive
power of Satan the workers of iniquity ob-
tain sympathy and admiration, and are thus
constantly leading others to rebellion. It
was so in Cain's and in Noah's day, and in
the time of Abraham and Lot; it is so in
our time. It is in mercy to the universe
that God will finally destroy the rejecters
of His grace."—The
Great Controversy,
page 543.
9.
To what will the fires of the last
days reduce the wicked? Mal. 4:3;
2 Peter 2:6.
Satan's "Opposite Error"
10.
To what belief has Satan led
many who are repelled by the popular
teachings of eternal torment?
ANSWER.—"A large class to whom the
doctrine of eternal torment is revolting are
driven to the opposite error. They see that
the Scriptures represent God as
a
being of
love and compassion, and they cannot be-
lieve that He will consign His creatures to
the fires of an eternally burning hell. But
holding that the soul is naturally immortal,
they see no alternative but to conclude that
all mankind will finally be saved."—The
Great Controversy,
page 537.
11.
How can we meet the argument
that God will not actually punish the
unrepenant? Ex. 34:7; Isa. 3:10, 11.
NoTE.—"Many regard the threatenings of
the Bible as designed merely to frighten men
into obedience, and not to be literally ful-
filled. Thus the sinner can live in selfish
pleasure, disregarding the requirements of
God, and yet expect to be finally received
into His favor. Such a doctrine, presuming
upon God's mercy, but ignoring His justice,
pleases the carnal heart and emboldens the
wicked in their iniquity."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 537.
12.
What did Isaiah say of God's
act of destroying sin and sinners? Isa.
28:21.
NOTE.—"God has given in His Word de-
cisive evidence that He will punish the
transgressors of His law. Those who flatter
themselves that He is too merciful to exe-
cute justice upon the sinner, have only to
look to the cross of Calvary. The death of
the spotless Son of God testifies that 'the
wages of sin is death,' that every violation
of God's law must receive its just retribu-
tion. Christ the sinless became sin for man.
He bore the guilt of transgression, and the
hiding of His Father's face, until His heart
was broken and His life crushed out. All
this sacrifice was made that sinners might
be redeemed. In no other way could man
be freed from the penalty of sin. And every
soul that refuses to become a partaker of
the atonement provided at such a cost must
bear in his own person the guilt and punish-
ment of transgression."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
pages 539, 540.
God's Plan for the Obedient
13.
What promise does God make
to all who obey Him? Rev. 22:14.
NOTE.—"Those who accept the teachings
of God's Word will not be wholly ignorant
concerning the heavenly abode. And yet,
`eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither
have entered into the heart of man, the
things which God hath prepared for them
that love Him.' 1 Corinthians 2:9. Human
language is inadequate to describe the re-
ward of the righteous. It will be known
only to those who behold
it."—The Great
Controversy,
page 675.
"Give what you can now,
and as you cooperate with
Christ, your hand will open
to impart still more. And
God will refill your hand,
that the treasure of truth
may be taken to many souls.
He will give to you that you
may give to others."—Our
High Calling,
page 199.
[ 13 ]
Lesson 4, for July 24, 1965
Man's Condition in Death
MEMORY VERSE:
"He that hath the Son hath
life;
and he that hath not the Son
of God hath not life." 1 John 5:12.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 67; "Selected Messages," b. 1,
pp. 297, 298; b. 2, pp. 34, 250, 254, 256, 261; "Testimonies," vol. 4, p. 336;
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To examine one of the major delusions of Satan in the light of the teachings
of Scripture.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Monday: Questions 6-9.
Tuesday: Questions 10, 11; begin
reading study helps.
Check
Here
Wednesday: Questions 12-14.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Creation of Man
1.
Steps in formation of man. Gen.
2:7.
2.
Men and animals have the same
"breath of life." Gen. 7:21, 22;
Eccl. 3:19.
3.
The "spirit" returns to God. Eccl.
12:7.
II. The Devil's First Lie
4.
"Ye shall not surely die." Gen.
3:3, 4.
5.
"Ye shall be as gods." Gen. 3:5.
III. Man a Mortal Being
6. Man's status when created. Heb.
2:6, 7; Luke 20:35, 36.
7. Excluded from the tree of life.
Gen. 3:22-24.
8. Man is now mortal. 1 Tim.
6:15, 16.
9. Eternal life now is conditional.
1 John 5:12.
IV. The State of Man in Death
10. The dead are asleep. 1 Thess. 4:13.
11. No part in earthly things. Ps. 146:
4; Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10.
V. The Resurrection Hope
12. Christ's promise. John 5:28, 29;
11:25.
13. No hope for the dead except for the
plan of a resurrection. 1 Cor. 15:
16-19.
14. The resurrection takes place at the
second advent. 1 Thess. 4:16-18.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The devil's first delusion centered around
whether or not a man who sinned would
really die. Satan directly contradicted God
on this matter and made his own claims.
He assured Eve that instead of sleeping the
sleep of death she would know far more
than she had ever known before and would
live forever, like God Himself. In varying
forms this delusion, "Ye shall not surely
die," spoken by the great deceiver, has been
the basis of every heathen religion and
apostate form of Christianity.
[
14]_
The Creation of Man
1. What steps did God follow in
the creation of man? Gen. 2:7. Com-
pare Job 33:4.
ment, but never to denote an intelligent
human entity capable of existence apart
from the physical human body. That which
returns to God when a man dies, whether
he be good or bad, is simply the life
principle that God imparts to both man and
beast.
The Devil's First Lie
NoTE.—"When God had made man in
His image, the human form was perfect in
all its arrangements, but it was without life.
Then a personal, self-existing God breathed
into that form the breath of life, and man
became a living, breathing, intelligent be-
ing. All parts of the human organism were
put in action. The heart, the arteries, the
veins, the tongue, the hands, the feet, the
senses, the perceptions of the mind—all be-
gan their work, and all were placed under
law. Man became a living
soul."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 8, p. 264.
2.
How do we know that this
"breath of life" did not constitute
man's mind or intelligence? Gen. 7:
21, 22; Eccl. 3:19.
NoTE.—"From the Source of all life the
life-giving principle entered the lifeless body
of Adam. The agency by which the spark
of life was transferred to his body is said
to be the 'breath' of God. . . . Imparted
to man, the 'breath' is equivalent to his
life; it is life itself (Isa. 2:22). At death
there is `no breath
[neshanzah,
life] left in
him' (1 Kings 17:17). This 'breath of life'
in man differs in no way from the 'breath
of life' in animals, for all receive their life
from God (Gen. 7:21, 22; Eccl. 3:19). It
cannot therefore be the mind or intelli-
gence."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on
Gen. 2:7.
3.
What reversal of the process of
creation takes place at death? Eccl.
12:7. Compare Job 27:3.
NoTE.—The Hebrew noun rendered into
English as "spirit" in Eccl. 12:7 is
r4ach,
a term employed 377 times in the Old Testa-
4.
Speaking through the serpent to
Eve, how did Satan directly contradict
God? Gen. 3:3, 4. Compare chapter
2:17.
NOTE.-"By
partaking of this tree, he
[the serpent] declared, they would attain
to a more exalted sphere of existence and
enter a broader field of knowledge. He
himself had eaten of the forbidden fruit,
and as a result had acquired the power of
speech. And he insinuated that the Lord
jealously desired to withhold it from them,
lest they should be exalted to equality with
Himself. It was because of its wonderful
properties, imparting wisdom and power,
that He had prohibited them from tast-
ing or even touching it. The tempter in-
timated that the divine warning was not
to be actually fulfilled; it was designed
merely to intimidate them. . . .
"Such has been Satan's work from the
days of Adam to the present, and he has
pursued it with great success. He tempts
men to distrust God's love and to doubt
His
wisdom."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 54.
5.
What did Satan assure Eve
would be the result of disobedience to
God's command? Gen. 3:5.
NoTE.—"The same word translated in
the KJV
tods,"elohim,
is rendered 'God'
in vs. 1, 3, and 5. The translators of the
KJV here followed the LXX [Septuagint]
and the Vulgate. The correct rendering is,
`Ye shall be as God.' This reveals most
sharply the blasphemous nature of Satan's
words (see Isa. 14:12-14) and the full
gravity of his deception."—S.D.A.
Bible
Commentary,
on Gen. 3:5.
115]
Man a Mortal Being
6.
What was man's status in the
original order of creation? How is
this to be changed after the resurrec-
tion? Heb. 2:6, 7; Luke 20:35, 36.
Nora.—Man is now a little lower than
the angels, but after the resurrection will be
equal to the angels. He will never be
equal to God, as Satan claimed.
"There are men today who express their
belief that there will be marriages and
births in the new earth; but those who
believe the Scriptures cannot accept such
doctrines. The doctrine that children will
be born in the new earth is not a part of
the 'sure word of prophecy.' 2 Peter 1:19.
The words of Christ are too plain to be
misunderstood. They should forever settle
the question of marriages and births in the
new earth. Neither those who shall be
raised from the dead, nor those who shall be
translated without seeing death, will marry
or be given in marriage. They will be as
the angels of God, members of the royal
family.
"I would say to those who hold views
contrary to this plain declaration of Christ,
Upon such matters silence is eloquence. It
is presumption to indulge in suppositions
and theories regarding matters that God
has not made known to us in His Word.
We need not enter into speculation re-
garding our future
state."—Selected Mes-
sages,
b. 1, pp. 172, 173.
7.
To prevent man from becoming
an immortal sinner, what precaution
did God take? Gen. 3:22-24.
NOTE.—"It was Satan's plan that Adam
and Eve should by disobedience incur God's
displeasure; and then, if they failed to ob-
tain forgiveness, he hoped that they would
eat of the tree of life, and thus perpetuate
an existence of sin and misery. But after
man's fall, holy angels were immediately
commissioned to guard the tree of life.
Around these angels flashed beams of light
having the appearance of a glittering sword.
None of the family of Adam were per-
mitted to pass that barrier to partake of
the life-giving fruit; hence there is not an
immortal
sinner."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 60.
8.
Who only has immortality now?
What, then, is man's present condi-
tion? 1 Tim. 6:15, 16. Compare 1
Tim. 1:17.
NOTE.—"The Word of God nowhere
teaches that the soul of man is immortal.
Immortality is an attribute of God only."—
Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 344.
9.
In what sense does the Christian
now have eternal life? 1 John 5:12.
Compare Rom. 2:7.
NOTE.—" 'In Him was life; and the life
was the light of men.' John 1:4. It is not
physical life that is here specified, but im-
mortality, the life which is exclusively the
property of God. The Word, who was with
God, and who was God, had this life.
Physical life is something which each in-
dividual receives. It is not eternal or im-
mortal; for God, the Life-giver, takes it
again. Man has no control over his life.
But the life of Christ was unborrowed. No
one can take this life from Him. 'I lay it
down of Myself' (John 10:18), He said.
In Him was life, original, unborrowed, un-
derived. This life is not inherent in man.
He can possess it only through Christ. He
cannot earn it; it is given him as a free
gift if he will believe in Christ as his per-
sonal Saviour. 'This is life eternal, that
they might know Thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.'
John 17:3. This is the open fountain of
life for the
world."—Selected Messages,
b.
1, pp. 296, 297.
The State of Man in Death
10.
How are the dead in Christ de-
scribed? 1 Thess. 4:13. Compare Job
14:12.
NOTE.—"Christ represents death as
a
sleep to His believing children. Their life
is hid with Christ in God, and until the
[ 16 ]
last trump shall sound those who die will
sleep in
Him."—The Desire of Ages,
page
527.
11.
What do the dead have to do
with the affairs of earthly life? Ps.
146:4; Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10. Compare Job
14:21.
The Resurrection Hope
12.
What wonderful promise did
the Saviour give concerning a future
life? John 5:28, 29; 11:25.
13.
What would be the fate of the
dead were it not for the resurrection?
1 Cor. 15:16-19.
14.
When will the resurrection of
the righteous dead take place? 1
Thess. 4:16-18.
NorE.—"The voice that cried from the
cross, 'It is finished,' was heard among the
dead. It pierced the walls of sepulchers,
and summoned the sleepers to arise. Thus
will it be when the voice of Christ shall be
heard from heaven. That voice will pene-
trate the graves and unbar the tombs, and
the dead in Christ shall arise. At the
Saviour's resurrection- a few graves were
opened, but at His second coming all the
precious dead shall hear His voice, and shall
come forth to glorious, immortal life. The
same power that raised Christ from the
dead will raise His church, and glorify it
with Him, above all principalities, above all
powers, above every name that is named,
not only in this world, but also in the
World to come."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
787.
Lesson 5, for July 31, 1965
Spiritism a Snare
MEMORY VERSE:
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether
they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
1 John 4:1.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 34; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary
;
"
"S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To
discover the intelligence behind all spiritistic manifestations, and how
to escape his snares.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Thursday: Finish reading
Monday: Questions 5-7; begin
study helps.
reading study helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Spiritism in Ancient Israel
1. God's
warning against wizards. Lev.
19:31.
17
1
2.
God's attitude toward sorcerers.
Jer. 27:9, 10.
3.
Moses' counsel regarding necro-
mancers. Deut. 18:9-12.
4.
The law in Israel against spirit
mediums. Ex. 22:18; Lev. 20:27.
II. The Power Behind Spiritism
5.
Spirits of devils working miracles.
Rev. 16:14; 2 Cor. 11:14, 15.
6.
Satan wars against last-day Chris-
tians. Rev. 12:12.
7.
Satan's angels support him. Mark
5:9.
III. Last-Day Delusions
8. A warning for God's people today.
1 Tim. 4:1.
9.
The end of those deceived by
"witchcraft." Gal. 5:19-21; Rev.
21:8.
10.
Modern signs and wonders. Rev.
13:13, 14; 2 Thess. 2:9, 10.
IV. Testing the Spirits
11.
"Try the spirits." 1 John 4:1.
12.
The standard. Isa. 8:20.
13.
Signs and wonders not a decisive
test. Deut. 13:1-4.
14.
Our attitude toward consulting
with familiar spirits. Isa. 8:19, 20.
THE LESSON
Introduction
If the dead actually live on in a state of
godlike wisdom and power, as Satan would
have us believe, then the next logical step
would be to believe that they can communi-
cate with us.
Spiritists claim that the conversation be-
tween Eve and the serpent in the Garden
of Eden was the first spirit séance. The
serpent was indeed the medium, but the
voice and the intelligence were those of
Satan.
Spiritism in Ancient Israel
1. What warning did God give an-
cient Israel against trying to communi-
cate with the dead? Lev. 19:31.
NoTE.—A "wizard" was a man reputed
to have special knowledge concerning the
unseen world gained by supposedly con-
sulting the dead. A "familiar spirit" was
the demon attendant of a particular spirit
medium.
"Nearly all forms of ancient sorcery and
witchcraft were founded upon a belief in
communion with the dead. Those who
practiced the arts of necromancy claimed to
have intercourse with departed spirits, and
to obtain through them a knowledge of
future events. . . .
"This same belief in communion with
the dead formed, the cornerstone of heathen
idolatry. The gods of the heathen were
believed to be the deified spirits of de-
parted heroes. Thus the religion of the
heathen was a worship of the dead."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 684.
2.
What was God's attitude toward
the sorcerers and why? Jer. 27:9, 10.
NorE.—A "sorcerer" was one who used
witchcraft or employed powers gained from
the assistance and control of evil spirits.
3.
What was Moses' counsel to
Israel before their entrance into
Canaan? Deut. 18:9-12.
NorE.—A "necromancer" was one who
purported to communicate with the dead
and who performed magic through their
supposed powers.
4.
What was the law in Israel con-
cerning spirit mediums? Ex. 22:18;
Lev. 20:27.
NorE.—"The work of dealing with famil-
iar spirits *as pronounced an abomination
to the Lord, and was solemnly forbidden
under penalty of death. Leviticus 19:31;
20:27. The very name of witchcraft is now
held in contempt. The claim that men can
hold intercourse with evil spirits is regarded
as a fable of the Dark Ages. But spiritual-
ism, which numbers its converts by hun-
[ 18
dreds of thousands, yea, by millions, which
has made its way into scientific circles,
which has invaded churches, and has found
favor in legislative bodies, and even in the
courts of kings—this mammoth deception
is but a revival, in a new disguise, of the
witchcraft condemned and prohibited of
old."—The Great Controversy,
page 556.
The Power Behind Spiritism
5.
What power is behind the spirit-
istic deceptions of the last days? Rev.
16:14; 2 Cor. 11:14, 15.
NOTE.—"Satan has taken advantage of
these popular fables to hide himself. He
comes to poor, deceived mortals through
modern spiritualism, which places no
bounds to the carnally minded, and, if car-
ried out, separates families, creates jealousy
and hatred, and gives liberty to the most
degrading propensities. The world knows
but little as yet of the corrupting influence
of spiritualism."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 343.
6.
How is Satan said to war against
God's people? Rev. 12:12.
NOTE.—"God alone can limit the power
of Satan. He [Satan] is going to and fro
in the earth, and walking up and down in
it. He is not off his watch for a single
moment, through fear of losing an op-
portunity to destroy souls. It is important
that God's people understand this, that
they may escape his snares. Satan is pre-
paring his deceptions, that in his last cam-
paign against the people of God they may
not understand that it is
he."—Testimonies,
vol. 1,
p. 341.
7.
How did the demons that pos-
sessed the men of Gadara describe
themselves? Mark 5:9.
NorE.—"The fact that men have been
possessed with demons, is clearly stated in
the New Testament. . . .
"A striking example of their number,
power, and malignity, and also of the
power and mercy of Christ, is given in the
Scripture account of the healing of the
demoniacs at Gadara. Those wretched
maniacs, spurning all restraint, writhing,
foaming, raging, were filling the air with
their cries, doing violence to themselves, and
endangering all who should approach them.
Their bleeding and disfigured bodies and
distracted minds presented a spectacle well
pleasing to the prince of darkness. One of
the demons controlling the sufferers de-
clared: 'My name is Legion: for we are
many.' Mark 5:9. In the Roman army a
legion consisted of from three to five thou-
sand men. Satan's hosts also are marshaled
in companies, and the single company to
which these demons belonged numbered no
less than a legion."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 514.
Last-Day Delusions
8.
What timely warning is given
against spiritistic delusions? 1 Tim.
4:1. Compare Matt. 24:24.
NOTE.—"Just before us is 'the hour of
temptation, which shall come upon all the
world, to try them that dwell upon the
earth.' Revelation 3:10. All whose faith is
not firmly established upon the Word of
God will be deceived and overcome. Satan
`works with all deceivableness of unrigh-
teousness' to gain control of the children
of men, and his deceptions will continually
increase. But he can gain his object only
as men voluntarily yield to his temptations.
Those who are earnestly seeking a knowl-
edge of the truth and are striving to purify
their souls through obedience, thus doing
what they can to prepare for the conflict,
will find, in the God of truth, a sure de-
fense."—The
Great Controversy,
page 560.
9.
What will be the end of those
deceived by witchcraft? Gal. 5:19-21;
Rev. 21:8.
10.
In
his last great deceptions, to
what signs and wonders will Satan re-
sort? Rev. 13:13, 14; 2 Thess. 2:9, 10.
[19
1
NOTE.—"Some will be tempted to receive
these wonders [of Satan] as from God. The
sick will be healed before us. Miracles will
be performed in our sight. Are we pre-
pared for the trial which awaits us when
the lying wonders of Satan shall be more
fully exhibited? Will not many souls be
ensnared and taken? By departing from
the plain precepts and commandments of
God, and giving heed to fables, the minds
of many are preparing to receive these ly-
ing wonders. We must all now seek to arm
ourselves for the contest in which we must
soon engage. Faith in God's Word, prayer-
fully studied and practically applied, will be
our shield from Satan's power and will
bring us off conquerors through the blood
of
Christ."—Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 302.
Testing the Spirits
11.
Rather than believe every su-
pernatural manifestation to be from
God, what are we admonished to do?
1 John 4:1.
NOTE.—"Spirit.
The apostle bids his hear-
ers to be critical rather than credulous, and
not to accept every spiritual activity as
coming from God. From this it would ap-
pear that they had come under the ministry
of men who claimed divine authority for
teachings that were really false. The
apostle, as a good pastor, warns his flock
against specious deception."—S.D.A.
Bible
Commentary,
on 1 John 4:1.
12.
By what standard may we test
the origin of every spirit? Isa. 8:20.
NOTE.—"The last great delusion is soon
to open before us. Antichrist is to perform
his marvelous works in our sight. So closely
will the counterfeit resemble the true that
it will be impossible to distinguish between
them except by the Holy Scriptures. By
their testimony every statement and every
miracle must be tested."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 593.
13.
What attitude should we take
toward those who use signs, wonders,
and miracles in an endeavor to in-
fluence us away from God and His
law? Deut. 13:1-4.
NoTE.—"God's people will not find their
safety in working miracles, for Satan will
counterfeit the miracles that will be
wrought. God's tried and tested people will
find their power in the sign spoken of in
Exodus 31:12-18. They are to take their
stand on the living Word: 'It is written.'
This is the only foundation upon which
they can stand
securely."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 16.
14.
If a Christian is invited to con-
sult with a spiritistic medium, what
should he do? Isa. 8: 19, 20.
NOTE.—"There are few who have any
just conception of the deceptive power of
spiritualism and the danger of coming un-
der its influence. Many tamper with it
merely to gratify their curiosity. They
have no real faith in it and would be filled
with horror at the thought of yielding
themselves to the spirits' control. But they
venture upon the forbidden ground, and
the mighty destroyer exercises his power
upon them against their will. Let them
once be induced to submit their minds to
his direction, and he holds them captive.
It is impossible, in their own strength, to
break away from the bewitching, alluring
spell. Nothing but the power of God,
granted in answer to the earnest prayer of
faith, can deliver these ensnared souls."—
The Great Controversy,
page 558.
"The more we bring to God's
treasure-house, the more we
shall have to bring; for He
will open ways before us,
increasing our substance."—
Our High Calling,
page 197.
[ 20 ]
Lesson 6, for August 7, 1965
The Last Great Deception
MEMORY VERSE:
"Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him,
and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail
because of Him. Even so, Amen." Rev. 1:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," pages 622-634; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary
;
" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To present Scripture teaching on how to distinguish between the true and
the false.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin
reading study helps.
Monday: Questions 3-6.
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
Thursday: Finish reading
study helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Satan's Last Fury
1.
As time grows short Satan works
harder. Rev. 12:12.
2.
Each must stand alone. Ezek.
14:20.
II. The Counterfeit "Second Advent"
3.
A warning against impostors. Matt.
24:23-25.
4.
Satan as an angel of light. 2 Cor.
11:14.
5.
"Go not forth." Matt. 24:26.
6.
The world's reaction to miracles.
Acts 8:9, 10.
III. How to Recognize the Genuine
7.
Christ's description of His second
coming. Matt. 24:27.
8.
"Every eye shall see Him." Rev.
1:7; Matt. 24:30.
9.
Resurrection of. Christ's persecutors.
Dan. 12:2 ; Matt. 26:64.
10.
Reaction of ungodly to the real
Christ. Rev. 6:15-17.
11.
Resurrection accompanies true sec-
ond advent. 1 Thess. 4:16.
12.
The remnant will recognize the true
Christ. Isa. 25:9.
IV. Assurance and Counsel to the
Remnant
13.
Protection against the great de-
lusion. Rev. 3:10, 11.
14.
Be prepared ! 1 Thess. 5:1-6.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The Scriptures foretell that just before
the end of time the devil will make a
determined effort to deceive everyone, in-
cluding even the remnant, by counterfeit-
ing the second advent of our Lord. So corn-
pletely overwhelming and convincing will
be the signs and wonders he then performs
that "if it were possible, they shall deceive
the very elect." To prepare us against Sa-
tan's masterpiece of deception Jesus left on
record a pointed warning. See Matt. 24:
23-25.
[21
1
Satan's Last Fury
1.
What is said of Satan's activity
as the end approaches? Rev. 12:12.
NoTE.—"Satan believes and trembles. He
works. He knows his time is short, and he
has come down in great power to do his
evil works according to his faith."—Testi-
monies, vol. 2,
p. 161.
2.
In view of the approaching
crisis, what warning does God give
His people? Ezek. 14:20.
The Counterfeit "Second Advent"
3.
With what words did Christ
warn against last-day impostors? Matt.
24:23-25.
NoTE.—"Fearful sights of a supernatural
character will soon be revealed in the heav-
ens, in token of the power of miracle-
working demons. The spirits of devils will
go forth to the kings of the earth and to
the whole world, to fasten them in decep-
tion, and urge them on to unite with Satan
in his last struggle against the government
of heaven. By these agencies, rulers and
subjects will be alike deceived. Persons will
arise pretending to be Christ Himself, and
claiming the title and worship which be-
long to the world's Redeemer. They will
perform wonderful miracles of healing and
will profess to have revelations from
heaven contradicting the testimony of the
Scriptures."—The
Great Controversy,
page
624.
4.
How does Satan, in person, at-
tempt to deceive the world? 2 Cor.
11:14.
NOTE.—"Satan came as an angel of light
in the wilderness of temptation to deceive
Christ; and he does not come to man in
a hideous form, as he is sometimes repre-
sented, but as an angel of light. He will
come personating Jesus Christ, working
mighty miracles; and men will fall down
and worship him as Jesus Christ. We shall
be commanded to worship this being, whom
the world will glorify as Christ. What
shall we do?—Tell them that Christ has
warned us against just such a foe, who is
man's worst enemy, yet who claims to be
God; and that when Christ shall make His
appearance, it will be with power and great
glory, accompanied by ten thousand times
ten thousand angels and thousands of
thousands; and that when He shall come,
we shall know His voice."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol.
6, pp. 1105, 1106.
5.
How are God's people to react to
the report that Christ has returned?
Matt. 24:26.
6.
How does the world usually re-
act to the miracle-working power of
Satan? Acts 8:9, 10.
NOTE.—"When God's presence was fi-
nally withdrawn from the Jewish nation,
priest and people knew it not. Though
under the control of Satan, and swayed by
the most horrible and malignant passions,
they still regarded themselves as the chosen
of God. The ministration in the temple con-
tinued; sacrifices were offered upon its pol-
luted altars, and daily the divine blessing
was invoked upon a people guilty of the
blood of God's dear Son and seeking to
slay His ministers and apostles. So when
the irrevocable decision of the sanctuary
has been pronounced and the destiny of
the world has been forever fixed, the in-
habitants of the earth will know it not.
The forms of religion will be continued by
a people from whom the Spirit of God has
been finally withdrawn ; and the satanic
zeal with which the prince of evil will in-
spire them for the accomplishment of his
malignant designs, will bear the semblance
of zeal for God."—The
Great Controversy,
page 615.
[ 22 ]
How to Recognize the Genuine
7.
What unmistakable description
of the second advent did Christ give?
Matt. 24:27.
8.
How many will see the Lord
when He appears? Rev. 1:7; Matt.
24:30.
NOTE.—"Soon there appears in the east a
small black cloud, about half the size of a
man's hand. It is the cloud which surrounds
the Saviour and which seems in the dis-
tance to be shrouded in darkness. The peo-
ple of God know this to be the sign of the
Son of man. In solemn silence they gaze
upon it as it draws nearer the earth, be-
coming lighter and more glorious, until it
is a great white cloud, its base a glory like
consuming fire, and above it the rainbow
of the covenant. Jesus rides forth as a
mighty conqueror. . . . No human pen can
portray the scene; no mortal mind is ade-
quate to conceive its splendor."—The
Great
Controversy,
pages 640, 641.
9.
What special resurrection of cer-
tain righteous and certain wicked is
mentioned as occurring before the
coming of the Lord? Dan. 12:2; Matt.
26:46. Compare Rev. 1:7.
NOTE.—"Graves are opened, and 'many
of them that sleep in the dust of the
earth . . . awake, some to everlasting life,
and some to shame and everlasting con-
tempt.' Daniel 12:2. All who have died in
the faith of the third angel's message come
forth from the tomb glorified, to hear
God's covenant of peace with those who
have kept His law. 'They also which
pierced Him' (Revelation 1:7), those that
mocked and derided Christ's dying agonies,
and the most violent opposers of His truth
and His people, are raised to behold Him
in His glory and to see the honor placed
upon the loyal and obedient."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 637.
10.
How will the wicked react to
the real Christ when He appears? Rev.
6:15-17.
NOTE.—"The derisive jests have ceased.
Lying lips are hushed into silence. The
clash of arms, the tumult of battle, 'with
confused noise, and garments rolled in
blood' (Isaiah 9:5), is stilled. Nought now
is heard but the voice of prayer and the
sound of weeping and lamentation. The
cry bursts forth from lips so lately scoffing:
`The great day of His wrath is come; and
who shall be able to stand?' The wicked
pray to be buried beneath the rocks of the
mountains, rather than meet the face of
Him whom they have despised and re-
jected."—The
Great Controversy,
page 642.
11.
What universal event, which
Satan cannot duplicate, is to accom-
pany the coming of Jesus? 1 Thess.
4:16.
NoTE.—"Amid the reeling of the earth,
the flash of lightning, and the roar of
thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls
forth the sleeping saints. He looks upon
the graves of the righteous, then, raising
His hands to heaven, He cries: 'Awake,
awake, awake, ye that sleep in the dust,
and arise!' Throughout the length and
breadth of the earth the dead shall hear
that voice, and they that hear shall live.
And the whole earth shall ring with the
tread of the exceeding great army of every
nation, kindred, tongue, and people. From
the prison house of death they come,
clothed with immortal glory, crying: '0
death, where is thy sting? 0 grave, where
is thy victory ?' 1 Corinthians 15:55. And
the living righteous and the risen saints
unite their voices in a long, glad shout of
victory."—The
Great Controversy,
page
644.
12.
How will the righteous rem-
nant express their joy when the Lord
appears in the clouds of heaven? Isa.
25:9.
[ 23 ]
Assurance and Counsel to the
Remnant
13. What aid will God give His
people as they pass through the per-
plexities that precede His coming?
Rev. 3:10, 11.
NOTE.—"Only those who have been dili-
gent students of the Scriptures and who
have received the love of the truth will be
shielded from the powerful delusion that
takes the world captive. By the Bible testi-
mony these will detect the deceiver in his
disguise. To all the testing time will come.
By the sifting of temptation the genuine
Christian will be revealed. Are the people
of God now so firmly established upon
His Word that they would not yield to the
evidence of their senses? Would they, in
such a crisis, cling to the Bible and the
Bible only? Satan will, if possible, prevent
them from obtaining a preparation to stand
in that day. He will so arrange affairs as
to hedge up their way, entangle them with
earthly treasures, cause them to carry a
heavy, wearisome burden, that their
hearts may be overcharged with the cares
of this life and the day of trial may come
upon them as a thief."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
pages 625, 626.
14. What preparation should God's
people make for the difficulties that
lie ahead? 1 Thess. 5:1-6.
Lesson 7, for August 14, 1965
Attacks on God's Law
MEMORY VERSE:
"The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness' sake; He will
magnify the law, and make it honorable." Isa. 42:21.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 36; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;"
"S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To seek strength for personal
victory in
the final conflict when the supreme
test of obedience will be brought to bear upon all.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin
reading study helps.
Monday: Questions 4-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
Thursday: Finish reading
study helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Satan's Hatred of God's Law
1.
Lucifer created perfect. Ezek.
28:15.
2.
His character since his fall. 1 John
3:8.
3.
The devil cast out of heaven. Isa.
14:12.
II. Christ's Defense of the Law
4.
Prophecy regarding Christ and the
law. Isa. 42:21.
5.
Christ's exaltation of the law. Matt.
5:17-22, 27, 28.
6.
Christ's testimony regarding His
life. John 15:10.
7.
Attitude of James toward God's
law. James 1:25.
[24
]
III. The Controversy in the Last Days
8.
Satan wars especially against com-
mandment keepers. Rev. 12:17.
9.
Effects on earth of transgression of
God's law. Isa. 24:4-6.
10.
Satan blames God's people for
trouble. 1 Kings 18:17, 18.
11.
Attitude of God's people. Ps.
119:110-112.
12.
Time for the Lord to work. Ps.
119:126.
13.
Our prayer. Ps. 119:18.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"From the very beginning of the great
controversy in heaven it has been Satan's
purpose to overthrow the law of God. It
was to accomplish this that he entered upon
his rebellion against the Creator, and
though he was cast out of heaven he has
continued the same warfare upon the earth.
To deceive men, and thus lead them to
transgress God's law, is the object which
he has steadfastly pursued. Whether this
be accomplished by casting aside the law
altogether, or by rejecting one of its pre-
cepts, the result will be ultimately the
same."—The
Great Controversy,
page 582.
Satan's Hatred of God' Law
1.
What are we told about Lucifer's
original moral state? Ezek. 28:15.
2.
Of what has Satan been guilty
"from the beginning"? 1 John 3:8.
Compare Ezek. 28:16.
NOTE.—"Our only definition of sin is that
given in the Word of God; it is 'the trans-
gression of the law;' it is the outworking
,• of a principle at war with the great law of
love which is the foundation of the divine
government."—The
Great Controversy,
page 493.
"To commit sin is to break God's law:
sin, in fact, is lawlessness." 1 John 3:4, The
New English Bible.*
3•
What was done with Lucifer
after he ceased to abide "in the truth"?
Isa. 14:12. Compare Rev. 12:7-9.
NOTE.—"When it was announced that
with all his sympathizers he must be ex-
pelled from the abodes of bliss, then the
rebel leader boldly avowed his contempt
for the Creator's law. He reiterated his
claim that angels needed no control, but
should be left to follow their own will,
which would ever guide them right. He
denounced the divine statutes as a restric-
tion of their liberty and declared that it
was his purpose to secure the abolition of
law; that, freed from this restraint, the
hosts of heaven might enter upon a more
exalted, more glorious state of existence."—
The Great Controversy,
page 499.
Christ's Defense of the Law
4. What had Isaiah prophesied re-
garding Christ's attitude toward God's
law? Isa. 42:21.
NOTE.—"But it was not merely to ac-
complish the redemption of man that Christ
came to the earth to suffer and to die. He
came to 'magnify the law' and to 'make
it honorable.' Not alone that the inhabi-
tants of this world might regard the law
as it should be regarded; but it was to
demonstrate to all the worlds of the uni-
verse that God's law is unchangeable.
Could its claims have been set aside, then
the Son of God need not have yielded up
His life to atone for its transgression. The
death of Christ proves it immutable. And
the sacrifice to which infinite love impelled
the Father and the Son, that sinners might
be redeemed, demonstrates to • all the uni-
verse—what ,nothing less than this plan of
atonement could have sufficed to do—that
justice and mercy are the- foundation of
the law and government of God."—The
Great Controversy,
page 503.
[ 25 ]
5.
How did Christ fulfill this
prophecy? Matt. 5:17-22, 27, 28. Com-
pare Luke 10:25, 26.
Nora.—" 'Do not suppose that I have
come to abolish the Law and the prophets;
I did not come to abolish, but to complete.
I tell you this: so long as heaven and earth
endure, not a letter, not a stroke, will dis-
appear from the Law until all that must
happen has happened.' " Matt. 5:17, 18,
The New English Bible.*
6.
What could Christ testify regard-
ing His own obedience to God's law?
John 15:10.
7.
How did James regard God's
law? James 1:25.
NoTE.—"Let the human agent compare
his life with the life of Christ. . . . Let
him imitate the example of Him who lived
out the law of Jehovah, who said, 'I have
kept My Father's commandments.' Those
who follow Christ will be continually look-
ing into the perfect law of liberty, and
through the grace given them by Christ,
will fashion the character according to the
divine requirements."—Sons
and Daughters
of God,
page 137.
The Controversy in the Last Days
8.
Against whom will Satan con-
duct special warfare in the last days?
Rev. 12:17.
NoTE.—"The last great conflict between
truth and error is but the final struggle of
the long-standing controversy concerning
the law of God. Upon this battle we are
now entering—a battle between the laws
of men and the precepts of Jehovah, be-
tween the religion of the Bible and the
religion of fable and tradition."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 582.
9.
How are the effects of trans-
gression of God's law seen in the
earth itself? Isa. 24:4-6.
NoTE.—"The curse devoured.
It is not
God, but Satan, the instigator of sin, who
is responsible for the curse that results from
it. Everywhere the forces of evil are at
work and everywhere the handiwork of
Satan is clearly seen (DA 636; GC 589).
In disease and death, in earthquakes and
storms, in fires and floods, the work of the
evil one is manifest. Transgression of the
laws of God has not brought peace and
prosperity, but trouble, pestilence, pain,
and ultimately death."—S.D.A.
Bible Com-
mentary,
on Isa. 24:6.
10.
Whom did King Ahab blame
for the famine in Israel? 1 Kings 18:
17, 18.
NOTE.—"In every place and in a thou-
sand forms, Satan is exercising his power.
He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and
famine and distress follow. He imparts to
the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish
by the pestilence. These visitations are to
become more and more frequent and disas-
trous. . . .
"And then the great deceiver will per-
suade men that those who serve God are
causing these evils. The class that have
provoked the displeasure of Heaven will
charge all their troubles upon those whose
obedience to God's commandments is a
perpetual reproof to transgressors. . . . As
the wrath of the people shall be excited by
false charges, they will pursue a course
toward God's ambassadors very similar to
that which apostate Israel pursued toward
Elijah."—The
Great Controversy,
page 590.
11.
What should be the attitude
of God's people toward His law? Ps.
119:110-112.
NoTE.—"To the obedient child of God,
the commandments are a delight
"David saw the divine precepts thrown
aside, and obstinacy and rebellion increas-
[ 26 ]
ing. Was he swept away by the prevalence
of apostasy? Did the scorn and contempt
cast upon the law lead him to cowardly
refrain from making an effort to vindicate
the law? On the contrary his reverence for
the law of Jehovah increased as he saw the
disregard and contempt shown for it by
others."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
3, p. 1152.
12. What sin especially calls for
God's intervention? Ps. 119:126.
NOTE.—"God will have a people upon the
earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible
only, as the standard of all doctrines and
the basis of all reforms. The opinions of
learned men, the deductions of science, the
creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils,
as numerous and discordant as are the
churches which they represent, the voice of
the majority—not one nor all of these
should be regarded as evidence for or
against any point of religious faith. Before
accepting any doctrine or precept, we should
demand a plain 'Thus saith the Lord' in its
support."—The
Great Controversy,
page
595.
13. What should be the prayer of
all God's faithful ones? Ps. 119:18.
NorE.—"One reason why many theo-
logians have no clearer understanding of
God's Word is, they close their eyes to
truths which they do not wish to practice.
An understanding of Bible truth depends
not so much on the power of intellect
brought to the search as on the singleness
of purpose, the earnest longing after righ-
teousness.
"The Bible should never be studied with-
out prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can
cause us to feel the importance of those
things easy to be understood, or prevent
us from wresting truths difficult of compre-
hension."—The
Great Controversy,
pages
599, 600.
*The New English Bible, ©
The Dele-
gates of the Oxford University Press and
the Syndics of the Cambridge University
Press, 1961.
Lesson 8, for August 21, 1965
Attempts to Destroy the Sabbath
MEMORY VERSE:
"Hallow My Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me
and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God." Ezek. 20:20.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 25; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;"
"S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To become aware of, and to guard against, Satan's devious measures to
obscure the true Sabbath and substitute a counterfeit in its place.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Monday: Questions 6-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin
reading study helps.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
Thursday: Finish reading
study helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
27
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. God's Regard for the Sabbath
1.
The heart of God's law. Ex. 20:
8-11.
2.
A sign that the Lord is God. Ezek.
20:20.
Enduring Nature of the Law
3.
Christ's attitude toward the law.
Matt. 5:17, 18; Mark 2:27-28.
4.
No divine command broken with
impunity. Matt. 5:19.
5.
Apostolic teaching on the per-
petuity of the law. James 2:10-12.
III. Satan's Opposition to the Law
6.
Tampering with God's command-
ments. Matt. 15:3-8.
7.
The working of the mystery of
iniquity. 2 Thess. 2:3, 4, 7-9.
8.
Daniel's prophecy of Satan at work.
Dan. 7:25.
IV. Importance of Sabbath Restoration
9.
Human substitutions lead to "vain
worship." Matt. 15:9.
10.
A prophecy of Sabbath restoration.
Isa. 58:12-14.
11.
We are the servants of the one we
obey. Rom. 6:16.
12.
A call for decision. 1 Kings 18:21.
13.
The remnant keep the command-
ments of God. Rev. 14:12.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Satan well knew that "had the Sabbath
been universally kept, man's thoughts and
affections would have been led to the Crea-
tor as the object of reverence and worship,
and there would never have been an idola-
ter, an atheist, or an infidel."-The
Great
Controversy,
page 438. In the endeavor to
secure his own ends in his warfare against
God, it was inevitable that the Sabbath
should become an object of Satan's special
attack.
God's Regard for the Sabbath
1. Which commandment of the
Decalogue is a perpetual reminder of
the true God as Creator of heaven and
earth? Ex. 20:8-11.
Nora.-"In Eden, God set up the me-
morial of His work of creation, in placing
His blessing upon the seventh day. The
Sabbath was committed to Adam, the fa-
ther and representative of the whole hu-
man family. Its observance was to be an
act of grateful acknowledgment, on the
part of all who should dwell upon the
earth, that God was their Creator and their
rightful Sovereign; that they were the
work of His hands,
and the subjects of His
authority. Thus the institution was wholly
commemorative, and given to all mankind.
There Was nothing in it shadowy or of
restricted application to any people."-
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 48.
2. Of what is the Sabbath declared
to be a sign? Ezek. 20:20.
NOTE.
-"The
Sabbath is ever the sign
that distinguishes the obedient from the dis-
obedient. With masterly power Satan has
worked to make null and void the fourth
commandment, that the sign of God may
be lost sight of. The Christian world have
trodden underfoot the Sabbath of the Lord
and observe a sabbath instituted by the
enemy. But God has a people who are
loyal to Him. His work is to be carried
forward in right lines. The people who
bear His sign are to establish churches and
institutions as memorials to Him. These
memorials, however humble in appearance,
will constantly bear witness against the
false sabbath instituted by Satan, and in
favor of the Sabbath instituted by the
Lord in Eden, when the morning stars
sang together and all the sons of God
shouted for
joy."-Testimonies,
vol. 7, p.
105.
[ 28 ]
Enduring Nature of the Law
3.
How did Christ testify to the en-
during nature of the law? Matt. 5:17,
18; Mark 2:27, 28.
NOTE.—"The Sabbath was not for Israel
merely, but for the world. It had, been
made known to man in Eden, and, like
the other precepts of the Decalogue, it is
of imperishable obligation. Of that law of
which the fourth commandment forms a
part, Christ declares, 'Till heaven and earth
pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise
pass from the law.' So long as the heavens
and the earth endure, the Sabbath will con-
tinue as a sign of the Creator's power. And
when Eden shall bloom on earth again,
God's holy rest day will be honored by all
beneath the sun. 'From one Sabbath to
another' the inhabitants of the glorified
new earth shall -go up 'to worship before
Me, saith the Lord.' Matt. 5:18; Isa. 66:23."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 283.
4.
What did Christ teach regarding
the seriousness of deliberately break-
ing any command of the law? Matt.
5:19.
NoTE.—"The claim that Christ by His
death abolished His Father's law is with-
out foundation. Had it been possible -for
the law to be changed or set aside, then
Christ need not have died to save man
from the penalty of sin. The death of
Christ, so far from abolishing the law,
proves that it is immutable."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 466.
5.
Of what is one guilty who
breaks even one command of the law?
James 2:10-12.
NOTE.—"That the law which was spoken
by God's own voice is faulty, that some
specification has been set aside, is the claim
which Satan now puts forward. It is the
last great deception that he will bring upon
the world. He needs not to assail the
whole law; if he can lead men to disregard
one precept, his purpose is gained. For
`whosoever shall keep the whole law, and
yet offend • in one point, he is guilty of all.'
James 2:10. By consenting to break one
precept, men are brought under Satan's
power. By substituting human law. for
God's law, Satan will seek to control the
world. . .
"The warfare against God's law, which
was begun in heaven, will be continued un-
til the end of time. Every man will be
tested. Obedience or disobedience is the
question to be decided by the whole world.
All will be called to choose between the
law of God and the laws of men. Here the
dividing line will be drawn. There will be
but two classes. Every character will be
fully developed; and all will show whether
they have chosen the side of loyalty or
that of rebellion.-
"Then the end will come. God 'will
vindicate His law and deliver His people.
Satan and all who have joined him in re-
bellion will be cut
off,"—The Desire of
Ages,
page 763.
Satan's Opposition to the Law
, 6. How had the scribes and Phari-
sees obscured the purpose of God's
commandments? Matt. 15:3-8.
NoTE.—"To prepare the way for the work
which he designed to accomplish, Satan
had led the Jews, before the advent of
Christ, to load down the Sabbath with the
most rigorous exactions, making its ob-
servance a burden."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 52.
7. How did Paul describe an
earthly power through which Satan
would work against God? 2 Thess.
2:3, 4, 7-9.
NoTE.—The expression "that wicked" of
verse 8 means " 'the [one] destitute of law,'
hence, 'the violator of the law,' the law-
less one,' or 'the wicked one.' The refer-
ence is to the 'man of sin' (v. 3), or the
`mystery of iniquity' (v. 7). According
to one view 'the lawless one' is the papacy
(see on v. 4; cf. GC 356, 579). According
to a second view, he is not only the papacy,
but more importantly, Satan himself, the
[ 29 ]
supreme Antichrist, as he impersonates
Christ just before the last day (see on vs.
4,
9)."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on 2
Thess. 2:8.
8.
What would the little horn
think to do regarding God's law?
Dan. 7:25.
NorE.—Have any religious groups ac-
knowledged that there has been an attempt
to change God's law?
"We observe Sunday instead of Saturday
because the Catholic Church . . . trans-
ferred the solemnity from Saturday to
Sunday."—Peter Geiermann, C.S.S.R.,
The
Convert's Catechism of Catholic Doctrine,
page 50.
A noted Lutheran church historian, Au-
gustus Neander, writes:
"The festival of Sunday, like all other
festivals, was always only a human ordi-
nance, and it was far from the intentions of
the apostles to establish a divine command
in this respect, far from them, and from
the early apostolic church, to transfer the
laws of the Sabbath to Sunday."—The
History of the Christian Religion and
Church,
page 186.
Importance of Sabbath Restoration
9.
What did Jesus say about any
worship based upon the command-
ments of men? Matt. 15:9.
NoTa.—"There is cause for alarm in the
condition of the religious world today.
God's mercy has been trifled with. The
multitudes make void the law of Jehovah,
`teaching for doctrines the commandments
of men.' Matthew 15:9. Infidelity prevails
in many of the churches in our land; not
infidelity in its broadest sense—an open
denial of the Bible—but an infidelity that
is robed in the garb of Christianity, while it
is undermining faith in the Bible as a reve-
lation from
God."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 166.
10.
How did God call for a reform
in the matter of Sabbath observance?
Isa. 58:12-14.
NOTE.—"In the time of the end every
divine institution is to be restored. The
breach made in the law at the time the
Sabbath was changed by man, is to be
repaired. God's remnant people, standing
before the world as reformers, are to show
that the law of God is the foundation of
all enduring reform and that the Sabbath
of the fourth commandment is to stand as
a memorial of creation, a constant re-
minder of the power of God. In clear, dis-
tinct lines they are to present the necessity
of obedience to all the precepts of the
Decalogue. Constrained by the love of
Christ, they are to cooperate with Him in
building up the waste places. They are to
be repairers of the breach, restorers of
paths to dwell
in."—Prophets and Kings,
page 678.
11.
What determines which side a
man is on in the great controversy be-
tween Christ and Satan? Rom. 6:16.
Compare James 4:17.
NOTE.—"But Christians of past genera-
ations observed the Sunday, supposing that
in so doing they were keeping the Bible
Sabbath; and there are now true Chris-
tians in every church, not excepting the
Roman Catholic communion, who honestly
believe that Sunday is the Sabbath of di-
vine appointment. God accepts their sin-
cerity of purpose and their integrity be-
fore Him. But when Sunday observance
shall be enforced by law, and the world
shall be enlightened concerning the obliga-
tion of the true Sabbath, then whoever
shall transgress the command of God, to
obey a precept which has no higher author-
ity than that of Rome, will thereby honor
popery above God."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 449.
12.
What ancient call of God is of
special importance today? 1 Kings
18:21.
13.
What two fundamental doc-
trines will God's people uphold? Rev.
14:12.
[30]
Lesson 9, for August 28, 1965
The Sabbath-Great Test of Loyalty
MEMORY VERSE:
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide
under the shadow of the Almighty." Ps. 91:1.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," first half of chapter 39; "S.D.A. Bible
Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To seek to comprehend prophecies showing the enemy's final effort to force
God's people to recognize a spurious sabbath.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4, 5; begin
reading study helps.
Tuesday: Questions 6-9.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Introduction
"The Sabbath will be the great test of
loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially
controverted. . . . While the observance of
the false sabbath in compliance with the
law of the state, contrary to the fourth
commandment, will be an avowal of al-
legiance to a power that is in opposition to
God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in
obedience to God's law, is an evidence of
loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Sealing Work
1.
Strife held back until God's servants
sealed. Rev. 7:1-3.
2.
The 144,000 sealed. Rev. 7:4.
3.
The 144,000 seen in heaven, without
fault. Rev. 14:1, 5.
II. God's People and Their Message
4.
The message to be given. Rev.
14:6-10.
5.
Those who accept the message.
Rev. 14:12.
III. God's People Persecuted
6.
The saints suffer for their faith.
Rev. 13:7,8, 16.
7.
The death decree. Rev. 13:15-17.
8.
A great time of trouble. Dan. 12:1.
9.
"Hated of all men." Matt. 10:16-22.
IV. God Vindicates His People
10.
Plagues poured out on wicked.
Rev. 18:4, 8.
11.
God protects His people. Ps.
91:1, 5-8.
12.
God delivers His people. Jer. 30:
7, 8, 10.
13.
The saints in heaven. Rev. 15:2.
THE LESSON
accepting the sign of submission to earthly
powers, receive the mark of the beast, the
other, choosing the token of allegiance to
divine authority, receive the seal of God."-
The Great Controversy,
page 605.
The Sealing Work
1. What are certain angels of God
represented as doing in the last days,
and for what reason? Rev. 7:1-3.
[ 31 ]
2.
What special group is repre-
sented as receiving God's seal? Rev.
7:4.
NOTE.—"The Sabbath of the fourth com-
mandment is the seal of the living God."
—The Great Controversy,
page 640.
"The seal of the living God will be
placed upon those only who bear a like-
ness to Christ in character.
"As wax takes the impression of the seal,
so the soul is to take the impression of
the Spirit of God and retain the image of
Christ.
"It is obedience to the principles of the
commandments of God, .that molds the
character after the divine similitude."—The
Faith I Live By,
page 287.
"It is not His [God's] will that they shall
get into controversy over questions which
will not help them spiritually, such as,
Who is to compose the hundred and forty-
font thousand? This those who are the
elect of God will in a short time know
without
question."—Selected Messages,
b.
1, p. 174.
3.
Where is this group later seen,
and what is said to be their spiritual
condition? Rev. 14:1, 5.
God's People and Their Message
4.
To prepare a people for God's
kingdom, what message is to be pro-
claimed just before Jesus comes? Rev.
14:6-10.
Nora.—A call to worship God as the
Creator would necessarily include mention
of the Sabbath, which is God's everlasting
memorial as the Creator. The words of
Revelation 14:7, "Worship Him that made
heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the
fountains of waters," are strikingly similar
to those of the fourth commandment: "In
six days the Lord made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that in them is." Ex. 20:11.
"The light we have received upon the
third angel's message is the true light. The
mark of the beast is exactly what it has
been proclaimed to be. Not all in regard
to this matter is yet understood, nor will
it be understood until the unrolling of the
scroll; but a most solemn work is to be
accomplished in our
world."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 17.
5.
How are those who receive the
three angels' messages identified? Rev.
14:12.
God's People Persecuted
6.
What indicates that God's com-
mandment-keeping people all over
the world will suffer for their faith?
Rev. 13:7, 8, 16.
NOTE.—"As America, the land of religious
liberty, shall unite with the papacy in
forcing the conscience and compelling men
to honor the false sabbath, the people of
every country on the globe will be led to
follow her
example."—Testimonies,
vol. 6,
p. 18.
"Foreign nations will follow the example
of the United States. Though she leads out,
yet the same crisis will come upon our
people in all parts of the world."—Ibid.,
p. 395.
7.
What extreme measures will be
taken by the secular powers? Rev.
13:15-17.
NOTE.—"As the Sabbath has become the
special point of controversy throughout
Christendom, and religious and secular au-
thorities have combined to enforce the
observance of the Sunday, the persistent
refusal of a small minority to yield to the
popular demand will make them objects of
universal execration. . . . A decree will fi-
nally be issued against those who hallow the
Sabbath of the fourth commandment, de-
nouncing them as deserving of the severest
punishment and giving the people liberty,
after a certain time, to put them to death.
Romanism in the Old World and apostate
Protestantism in the New will pursue a
similar course toward those who honor all
[ 82 ]
the divine precepts."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
pages 615, 616.
"When Jesus leaves the most holy, His
restraining Spirit is withdrawn from rulers
and people. They are left to the control of
evil angels. Then such laws will be made
by the counsel and direction of Satan, that
unless time should be very short, no flesh
could be
saved."—Testimonies, vol.
1, p.
204.
8.
In what words did Daniel fore-
tell this period of extreme difficulty?
Dan. 12:1.
NOTE.—"The restraint which has been
upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has
entire control of the finally impenitent.
God's long-suffering has ended. The world
has rejected His mercy, despised His love,
and trampled upon His law. The wicked
have passed the boundary of their proba-
tion; the Spirit of God, persistently resisted,
has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered
by divine grace, they have no protection
from the wicked one. Satan will then
plunge the inhabitants of the earth into
one great, final trouble. As the angels of
God cease to hold in check the fierce winds
of human passion, all the elements of strife
will be let loose. The whole world will be
involved in ruin more terrible than that
which came upon Jerusalem of old."—The
Great Controversy,
page 614.
9.
What counsel did Jesus give His
disciples for the time when they
should encounter persecution? Matt.
10:16-22.
NOTE.—"It is our work to speak the truth
in love and not to mix in with the truth the
unsanctified elements of the natural heart
and speak things that savor of the same
spirit possessed by our enemies. All sharp
thrusts will come back upon us in double
measure when the power is in the hands
of those who can exercise it for injury.
Over and over the message has been given
to me that we are not to say one word, not
to publish one sentence, especially by way
_ of personalities, unless positively essential
in vindicating the truth, that will stir up our
enemies against us and arouse their passions
to a white heat. Our work will soon be
closed up, and soon the time of trouble,
such as never was, will come upon us, of
which we have but little
idea."—Testimo-
nies,
vol. 9, p. 241.
God Vindicates His People
10.
What will be poured out upon
the unrepentant world symbolized by
Babylon? Rev. 18:4, 8.
11.
What will be the experience of
God's people during the seven last
plagues? Ps. 91:1, 5-8.
NOTE.—"The people of God will not be
free from suffering; but while persecuted
and distressed, while they endure privation
and suffer for want of food they will not
be left to perish. That God who cared for
Elijah will not pass by one of His self-
sacrificing children. He who numbers the
hairs of their head will care for them, and
in time of famine they shall be satisfied.
While the wicked are dying from hunger
and pestilence, angels will shield the righ-
teous and supply their wants."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 629.
12.
What does God promise His
people in the "time of Jacob's trou-
ble"? Jer. 30:7, 8, 10.
13.
Who are pictured as being
saved in God's eternal kingdom? Rev.
15:2.
"Every day some portion of
time should be appropriated
to the study of the lessons."
—Counsels on Sabbath
School Work,
page 53.
1331
Lesson 10, for September 4, 1965
Meeting Attacks on the Bible
MEMORY VERSE:
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that
the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapters 32 and 37; "Steps to Christ,"
chapter "What to Do With Doubt;" "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible
Dictionary."
AIM:
To discover the reasons behind Satan's special hatred of the Bible and how
we may meet the arguments he has used against it.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Monday: Questions 6-10.
Tuesday: Questions 11-13; begin
reading study helps.
Check Here
Wednesday: Question 14; read
further on study helps.
0
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Why Satan Hates God's Word
1.
It brings light.
Ps. 119:130.
2.
It makes men wise unto salvation
and perfects character. 2 Tim.
3:15-17.
3.
It gives a true picture of God's
character. Micah 7:18; Matt. 5:45.
4.
It testifies of Jesus. John 5:39;
1 John 3:8; John 8:44.
5.
It sets forth the final victory. Rev.
21:3, 4; 22:3.
II. False Arguments Against the Bible
6. Miracles are impossible. John
11:47; Acts 4:16.
7.
Science disproves the Bible. 1 Tim.
6:20; 2 Peter 3:2-7.
8.
Some of Bible is folklore. 2 Tim.
3:16, first part.
9. Impossible for unlettered to com-
prehend. Ps. 19:7, 11; 2 Tim. 3:15.
10. Its demands too narrow and
restricted. Ps. 19:8-10; 119:96.
III. Reasons Some Give for Rejecting
the Bible
11. All doubts not settled. Mark 9:24.
12. The majority can't be wrong. John
7:48.
13. A warning against error.
2 Peter 2:1.
IV. The Christian's Desire
14. Our prayer. Ps. 119:33, 34.
THE LESSON
than
to destroy confidence in God and in
His Word."-The
Great Controversy,
page
526.
"The position that it is of no consequence
what men believe is one of Satan's most
[ 34 ]
Introduction
In Satan's warfare against God he has
made the Bible a special object of his at-
tack. "There is nothing that he desires more
successful deceptions. He knows that the
truth, received in the love of it, sanctifies
the soul of the receiver; therefore he is
constantly seeking to substitute false
theories, fables, another gospel."—Ibid., p.
520. Perhaps at no other period in history
has Satan been more successful than today
in undermining faith in the Bible as God's
Word.
Why Satan Hates God's Word
1.
What does Bible truth do that
is especially obnoxious to the prince
of darkness? Ps. 119:130.
NoTE.—"The study of the Bible will en-
noble every thought, feeling, and aspi-
ration as no other study can. It gives sta-
bility of purpose, patience, courage, and
fortitude; it refines the character and sanc-
tifies the soul. An earnest, reverent study
of the Scriptures, bringing the mind of
the student in direct contact with the in-
finite mind, would give to the world men
of stronger and more active intellect, as well
as of nobler principle, than has ever resulted
from the ablest training that human philos-
ophy affords. 'The entrance of Thy words,'
says the psalmist, `giveth light; it giveth
understanding.' Psalm 119
:130."—The Great
Controversy,
page 94.
2.
What information does the. Bi-
ble provide, of which Satan would
deprive us? 2 Tim. 3:15-17.
3.
Contrary to the picture of God's
character •presented to the world by
Satan, what does Scripture teach?
Micah 7:18; Matt. 5:45.
NOTE.—"It is Satan's constant effort to
misrepresent the character of God, the na-
ture of sin, and the real issues at stake in
the great controversy. His sophistry lessens
the obligation of the divine law and gives
men license to sin. At the same time he
causes them to cherish false conceptions of
God so that they regard Him with fear
and hate rather than with love. The cruelty
inherent in his own character is attributed
to the Creator; it is embodied in systems.
of religion and expressed in modes of wor-
ship. Thus the minds of men are blinded,
and Satan secures them as his agents to
war against God."—The
Great Controversy,
page 569.
4.
Of whom does the Bible testify?
What does it declare concerning Sa-
tan? John 5:39; 1 John 3:8; John 8:44.
5.
How does the Bible set forth the
final victory over sin and the evil one?
Rev. 21:3, 4; 22:3.
False Arguments Against the Bible
6.
Contrary to the claim that mir-
acles are impossible, what were Jesus'
enemies forced to admit? John 11:47;
Acts 4:16.
NOTE.—"Men of science claim that there
can be no real answer to prayer; that this
would be a violation of law, a miracle, and
that miracles have no existence. The uni-
verse, say they, is governed by fixed laws,
and God Himself does nothing contrary
to these laws. Thus they represent God as
bound by His own laws—as if the operation
of divine laws could exclude divine free-
dom. Such teaching is opposed to the testi-
mony of the Scriptures. Were not miracles
wrought by Christ and His apostles? The
same compassionate Saviour lives today,
and He is as willing to listen to the prayer
of faith as when He walked visibly among
men. The natural cooperates with the
supernatural."—The
Great Controversy,
page 525.
7.
What warning is given relative
to the teachings of a science that is
opposed to the Bible? 1 Tim. 6:20;
2 Peter 3:2-7.
NoTE.—"Human knowledge of both ma-
terial and spiritual things is partial and
imperfect; therefore many are unable to
[351
harmonize their views of science with Scrip-
ture statements. Many accept mere theories
and speculations as scientific facts, and they
think that God's Word is to be tested by the
teachings of 'science falsely so called.'
1 Timothy 6:20. The Creator and His
works are beyond their comprehension; and
because they cannot explain these by na-
tural laws, Bible history is regarded as un-
reliable. Those who doubt the reliability of
the records of the Old and New Testa-
ments too often go a step further and
doubt the existence of God and attribute
infinite power to nature. Having let go
their anchor, they are left to beat about
upon the rocks of infidelity."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 522.
8.
How much of Scripture is in-
spired? 2 Tim. 3:16, first part.
NOTE.—"And when men, compassed with
human infirmities, affected in a greater or
less degree by surrounding influences, and
having hereditary and cultivated tendencies
which are far from making them wise or
heavenly-minded, undertake to arraign the
Word of God, and to pass judgment upon
what is divine and what is human, they are
working without the counsel of God. The
Lord will not prosper such a work. The
effect will be disastrous, both upon the
one engaged in it and upon those who ac-
cept it as a work from God. Skepticism
has been aroused in many minds by the
theories presented as to the nature of in-
spiration. Finite beings, with their narrow,
shortsighted views, feel themselves compe-
tent to criticize the Scriptures, saying: 'This
passage is needful, and that passage is not
needful, and is not inspired.'
"—Testimonies,
vol. 5,
p. 709
9.
What will a reading of the Scrip-
tures do for "the simple"? Ps. 19:7,
11; 2 Tim. 3:15.
NOTE.—"In order for Satan to maintain
his sway over men, and establish the au-
thority of the papal usurper, he must keep
them in ignorance of the Scriptures. The
Bible would exalt God and place finite men
in their true position; therefore its sacred
truths must be concealed and suppressed.
This logic was adopted by the Roman
Church. For hundreds of years the circu-
lation of the Bible was prohibited. The
people were forbidden to read it or to have
it in their houses, and unprincipled priests
and prelates interpreted its teachings to sus-
tain their pretensions. Thus the pope came
to be almost universally acknowledged as
the vicegerent of God on earth, endowed
with authority over church and state.
"The detector of error having been re-
moved, Satan worked according to his will."
—The Great Controversy,
page 51.
10.
What is said regarding the
breadth of Bible teaching and coun-
sel? Ps. 19:8-10; 119:96.
NOTE.—"Those who are unwilling to ac-
cept the plain, cutting truths of the Bible
are continually seeking for pleasing fables
that will quiet the conscience. The less
spiritual, self-denying, and humiliating the
doctrines presented, the greater the favor
with which they are received. These persons
degrade the intellectual powers to serve
their carnal desires. Too wise in their
own conceit to search the Scriptures with
contrition of soul and earnest prayer for
divine guidance, they have no shield from
delusion. Satan is ready to supply the
heart's desire, and he palms off his decep-
tions in the place of truth."—The
Great
Controversy,
page
523.
Reasons Some Give for Rejecting
the Bible
11.
When troubled by doubts, what
should we pray? Mark 9:24.
NOTE.—"There is but one course for those
to pursue who honestly desire to be freed
from doubts. Instead of questioning and
caviling concerning that which they do not
understand, let them give heed to the light
which already shines upon them, and they
will receive greater light. Let them do
every duty which has been made plain to
their understanding, and they will be en-
abled to understand and perform those of
which they are now in doubt."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 528.
36
"In almost every case where persons be-
come unsettled in regard to the inspiration
of the Word of God, it is on account of
their unsanctified lives, which that Word
condemns. . . . Difficulties and doubts which
perplex the vicious heart will be cleared
away before the one practicing the pure
principles of
truth."—Testimonies, vol. 1,
p. 440.
12.
In an attempt to persuade oth-
ers to join the majority, what mis-
leading question did some raise in
Christ's day? John 7:48.
13.
What warning is given against
false teachings? 2 Peter 2:1. Compare
Acts 20:29, 30.
Nora.—"Innumerable are the erroneous
doctrines and fanciful ideas that are obtain-
ing among the churches of Christendom... .
"The errors of popular theology have
driven many a soul to skepticism who might
otherwise have been a believer in the
Scriptures. It is impossible for him to ac-
cept doctrines which outrage his sense of
justice, mercy, benevolence; and since these
are represented as the teaching of the Bible,
he refuses to receive it as the Word of God.
"And this is the object which Satan
seeks to accomplish."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
pages 525, 526.
"When men arise, claiming to have a mes-
sage from God, but instead of warring
against principalities and powers, and the
rulers of the darkness of this world, they
form a hollow square, and turn the weapons
of warfare against the church militant, be
afraid of them. They do not bear the
divine credentials. God has not given them
any such burden of labor. They would
tear down that which God would restore
by the Laodicean message. He wounds
only that He may heal, not cause to. perish.
The Lord lays upon no man a message that
will discourage and dishearten the church.
He reproves, He rebukes, He chastens; but
it is only that He may restore and approve
at
last."—Testimonies to Ministers,
pages
22, 23.
The Christian's Desire
14.
What should be the prayer
of
the true Christian? Ps. 119:33, 34.
Lesson 11, for September 11, 1965
Stewardship and the Final Crisis
MEMORY VERSE:
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so
let him
give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
2 Cor. 9:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 50; "Counsels on Stewardship,"
section II; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary;" "Testimo-
nies," vol. 5, pp. 152, 154, 155.
AIM: To study God's plan for the support of His work in the earth, to gain a
greater appreciation of the blessings accompanying faithful tithing and
generous giving.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Check Here
Wednesday: Begin reading
Sunday:
Questions 1-5.
study helps.
Monday:
Questions 6-10.
Thursday:
Finish reading study
Tuesday:
Questions 11-13.
helps.
Friday:
Review entire lesson.
0
E87]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Warning Against Covetousness
1.
"Beware of covetousness." Luke
12:15.
2.
The foolish rich man. Luke
12:16-21.
3.
Our treasure to be in heaven. Luke
12:33, 34.
4.
Unhappy result of the love of
money. 1 Tim. 6:9, 10.
5.
Admonition to the rich. 1 Tim.
6:17-19.
II. Tithing-God's Antidote to
Covetousness
6.
Instituted early. Lev. 27:30.
7.
Strongly supported by Christ.
Matt. 23:23.
8.
God's promised blessings. Mal.
3:10, 11.
9.
Stealing from God. Mal. 3:8, 9.
10.
Support of the ministry. Num.
18:21.
III. The Importance of Liberality
11.
Offerings to be brought. Ps. 96:8.
12.
Relation of liberality to spirituality.
Luke 12:34; Prov. 11:25.
13.
Attitude of the giver. 2 Cor. 9:7.
THE LESSON
fidels, and blasphemers, but of inconsistent
professors of Christ. These are the ones
that keep back the blessing of the God of
Israel and bring weakness upon His
peo-
ple."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 496,
497.
Introduction
"Satan is pleased to have you increase
your farms and invest your means in
worldly enterprises, for by so doing you not
only hinder the cause from advancing, but
by anxiety and overwork lessen your pros-
pect for eternal
life."-Testimonies, vol.
5,
p. 152.
Warning Against Covetousness
1. Against what sin did Christ
especially warn His followers? Luke
12:15.
NOTE.
-"We are as directly forbidden to
indulge covetousness as was Achan to ap-
propriate the spoils of Jericho. God has
declared it to be idolatry. . . . And yet,
notwithstanding all these warnings, cove-
tousness abounds.. .
"This evil exists not in the world alone,
but in the church. How common even
here to find selfishness, avarice, overreach-
ing, neglect of charities, and robbery of
God 'in tithes and offerings.' Among
church members 'in good and regular stand-
ing,' there are, alas! many Achans. Many
a man comes statedly to church, and sits at
the table of the Lord, while among his
possessions are hidden unlawful gains, the
things that God has cursed.. . •
"The influence most to be feared by the
church is not that of open opposers, in-
2.
What lesson did Jesus teach in
His parable of the foolish rich man?
Luke 12:16-21.
NoTE.-"I saw that it was impossible to
have the affections and interests engrossed
in worldly cares, to be increasing earthly
possessions, and yet be in a waiting, watch-
ing position, as our Saviour has com-
manded. Said the angel: 'They can secure
but one world. In order to acquire the
heavenly treasure, they must sacrifice the
earthly. They cannot have both worlds.' "
-Testimonies, vol. 2,
p. 193.
3.
How are treasures laid up in
heaven? Luke 12:33, 34.
4.
What is the result of setting
one's heart on riches? 1 Tim. 6:9, 10.
NOTE .-"When the love of the world
takes possession of the heart and becomes
a ruling passion, there is no room left for
[88
]
adoration to God; for the higher powers
of the mind submit to the slavery of mam-
mon, and cannot retain thoughts of God
and of heaven. The mind loses its remem-
brance of God and is narrowed and dwarfed
to the accumulation of
money."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 3, p. 385.
5.
What admonition is given to the
rich? 1 Tim. 6:17-19.
NOTE.—"Paul shows what risks men will
run to become rich. But many are deter-
mined to be rich; this is their study, and in
their zeal eternal considerations are over-
looked. They are blinded by Satan and
make themselves believe that it is for good
purposes they desire this gain; they strain
their consciences, deceive themselves, and
are constantly coveting riches. Such have
erred from the faith and pierced themselves
through with many sorrows. They have
sacrificed their noble, elevated principles,
given up their faith for riches, and, if not
disappointed in their object, they are dis-
appointed in the happiness which they sup-
posed riches would bring. They are en-
tangled, perplexed with care; they have
made themselves slaves to their avarice and
compelled their families to the same slav-
ery, and the advantages they reap are 'many
sorrows.'
"—Testimonies, vol.
1, pp. 541,
542.
Tithing—God's Antidote to
Covetousness
6.
What plan did God institute as
an antidote against satanic selfishness?
Lev. 27:30.
NOTE.—"The special system of tithing
was founded upon a principle which is as
enduring as the law of God. This system
of tithing was a blessing to the Jews, else
God would not have given it them. So also
will it be a blessing to those who carry it
out to end of time. Our heavenly Father
did not originate the plan of systematic
benevolence to enrich Himself, but to be
a great blessing to man. He saw that this
system of beneficence was just what man
needed."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, pp. 404, 405.
7.
How did Jesus give support to
the principle of tithing? Matt. 23:23.
NoTE.—"I have been shown that many
of our people are robbing the Lord in
tithes and in offerings, and as the result
His work is greatly hindered. The curse of
God will rest upon those who are living
upon God's bounties and yet close their
hearts and do nothing or next to nothing
to advance His cause. Brethren and sisters,
how can the beneficent Father continue to.
make you His stewards, furnishing you with
means to use for Him, when you grasp it
all, selfishly claiming that it is yours!"—
Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 151.
8.
What is promised to the faith-
ful tithepayer? Mal. 3:10, 11.
NOTE.—"The contributions required of
the Hebrews for religious and charitable
purposes amounted to fully one fourth of
their income. So heavy a tax upon the
resources of the people might be expected
to reduce them to poverty; but, on the
contrary, the faithful observance of these
regulations was one of the conditions of
their prosperity."—Patriarchs
and Proph-
ets,
page 527.
9.
Of what is a man guilty who
withholds his tithes and offerings?
Mal. 3:8, 9.
NoTE.—"He who embezzles his Lord's
goods not only loses the talent lent him
of God, but loses eternal
life."—Testimo-
nies,
vol. 3, p. 387.
"With these words of light and truth be-
fore them, how dare men neglect so plain
a duty? How dare they disobey God when
obedience to His requirements means His
blessing in both temporal and spiritual
things, and disobedience means the curse
of God? Satan is the destroyer. God can-
not bless those who refuse to be faithful
stewards. All He can do is to permit
Satan to accomplish his destroying work.-
We see calamities of every kind ,and in
every degree coming upon the earth, and
why? The Lord's restraining power is not
[ 39 ]
exercised. The world has disregarded the
Word of God. They live as though there
were no
God."—Ibid.,
vol. 6, pp. 388, 389.
10.
What is God's plan for the
use of the tithe? Num. 18:21. Com-
pare 1 Cor. 9:13, 14.
NOTE.—"It is not God's purpose that
Christians, whose privileges far exceed those
of the Jewish nation, shall give less freely
than they gave. 'Unto whomsoever much is
given,' the Saviour declared, 'of him shall
be much required.' Luke 12:48. The liberal-
ity required of the Hebrews was largely to
benefit their own nation; today the work
of God extends over all the earth. In the
hands of His followers, Christ has placed
the treasures of the gospel, and upon them
He has laid the responsibility of giving the
glad tidings of salvation to the world.
Surely our obligations are much greater
than were those of ancient Israel."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 337, 338.
The Importance of Liberality
11.
Besides the tithe, what else is
the believer to bring to God? Ps.
96:8.
NOTE.—"The payment of the tithe was
but a part of God's plan for the support of
His service. Numerous gifts and offerings
were divinely specified. Under the Jewish
system the people were taught to cherish
a spirit of liberality both in sustaining the
cause of God and in supplying the wants
of the needy."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 336, 337.
12.
What relationship is there be-
tween spiritual well-being and liberal
giving? Luke 12:34; Prov. 11:25.
NOTE.—"The spiritual health and pros-
perity of the church is dependent in a great
degree upon her systematic benevolence.
It is like the lifeblood which must flow
through the whole being, vitalizing every
member of the body. It increases love for
the souls of our fellowmen; for by self-
denial and self-sacrifice we are brought
into a closer relation to Christ, who for
our sakes became poor. The more we in-
vest in the cause of God to aid in the
salvation of souls, the closer to our hearts
will they be
brought."—Testimonies,
vol.
3, p. 405.
13.
In what spirit are offerings to
be presented to God? 2 Cor. 9:7.
Lesson 12, for September 18, 1965
Assaults Against the Ordinances
MEMORY VERSE:
"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show
the Lord's death till He come." 1 Cor. 11:26.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapters 71, 72; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary
;
"
"S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To understand better Satan's assaults on the memorials of Christ's death and
resurrection, and how to meet them.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions
1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9-11; begin
reading study helps.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13
;
read from study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
[ 40 ]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Remembering Christ's Death and
Resurrection
1.
The cross, assurance of Satan's de-
feat. Heb. 2 : 14.
2.
Counsel to remember Christ's
death, burial, and resurrection.
1 Cor. 15:2-4.
3.
The Communion service. 1 Cor.
11:26.
4.
Baptism. Col. 2:12.
II. God's Plan for the Communion
Service
5.
Christ washed disciples' feet. John
13:3-5.
6.
Spiritual significance of this act.
John 13:6-10.
7. Ordinance of humility a permanent
part of the Communion service.
John 13:13-17.
8. Bread and wine symbolize body and
blood of Jesus. 1 Cor. 11:23-25.
III. God's Plan for Christian Baptism
9. Baptism for all desiring salvation.
Acts 2:38.
10. Immersion practiced by the early
church. Acts 8:38, 39.
11. Spiritual experience to accompany
baptism. Rom. 6:3, 4.
IV. Conclusion
12. False practices obscure the meaning
of these memorials.
13. Believers admonished to seek the
things of heaven. Col. 3:1.
THE LESSON
NOTE.
-"Without
the cross, man could
have no union with the Father. On it de-
pends our every hope. From it shines the
light of the Saviour's love, and when at
the foot of the cross the sinner looks up to
the One who died to save him, he may re-
joice with fullness of joy, for his sins are
pardoned. Kneeling in faith at the cross,
he has reached the highest place to which
man can attain."-The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 209, 210.
Introduction
"He who beholds the Saviour's matchless
love will be elevated in thought, purified in
heart, transformed in character. He will
go forth to be a light to the world, to
reflect in some degree this mysterious love.
The more we contemplate the cross of
Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the
language of the apostle when he said, 'God
forbid that I should glory, save in the
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom
the world is crucified unto me, and I unto
the world.' Gal.
6:14."-The Desire of
Ages,
page 661. Since Satan knows the
power of Calvary on the human family, it
is obvious that he will do all in his power
to destroy the memorials of the Saviour's
death and resurrection-baptism and the
Communion service.
Remembering Christ's Death and
Resurrection
1.
What event gives assurance of
Satan's final destruction? Heb. 2:14.
Compare Rev. 20:10.
2.
What events are those who desire
salvation admonished always to keep
in mind? 1 Cor. 15:2-4.
3.
What memorial helps us to re-
member Christ's death? 1 Cor. 11:26.
Compare Matt. 26:26-28.
4.
Through what Christian ordi-
nance are we made partakers with
Christ in His death and resurrection?
Col. 2:12.
NOTE.
-"The
vows which we take upon
ourselves in baptism embrace much. In the
name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit we are buried in the likeness of
Christ's death and raised in the likeness of
His resurrection, and we are to live a new
life. Our life is to be bound up with the
life of Christ. Henceforth the believer is to
bear in mind that he is dedicated to God,
to Christ, and to the Holy
Spirit."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 6, p. 98.
God's Plan for the Communion
Service
5.
What did Jesus do preceding the
first Communion service? John 13:
3-5.
6.
With what words did Jesus in-
dicate to Peter the importance of this
preparatory experience? John 13:
6-10.
NorE.—"These words mean more than
bodily cleanliness. Christ is still speaking
of the higher cleansing as illustrated by the
lower. He who came from the bath was
clean, but the sandaled feet soon became
dusty, and again needed to be washed. So
Peter and his brethren had been washed in
the great fountain opened for sin and un-
cleanness. Christ acknowledged them as
His. But temptation had led them into evil,
and they still needed His cleansing grace.
When Jesus girded Himself with a towel to
wash the dust from their feet, He desired
by that very act to wash the alienation,
jealousy, and pride from their hearts. This
was of far more consequence than the wash-
ing of their dusty feet. With the spirit they
then had, not one of them was prepared
for communion with Christ. Until brought
into a state of humility and love, they were
not prepared to partake of the paschal
supper, or to share in the memorial service
which Christ was about to institute. Their
hearts must be cleansed."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 646.
7.
What indicates that the ordi-
nance of humility is to be a part of
the Communion service? John 13:
13-17.
8.
What do the unleavened bread
and the unfermented wine of the
Lord's supper symbolize? 1 Cor. 11:
23-25.
NOTE.—"As we receive the bread and
wine symbolizing Christ's broken body and
spilled blood, we in imagination join in the
scene of Communion in the upper chamber.
We seem to be passing through the garden
consecrated by the agony of Him who bore
the sins of the world. We witness the
struggle by which our reconciliation with
God was obtained. Christ is set forth cruci-
fied among
us."—The Desire of Ages,
page
661.
God's Plan for Christian Baptism
9.
What is God's plan for each in-
dividual who accepts salvation? Acts
2:38.
NorE.—"No matter how faultless may
have been your lives, as sinners you have
steps to take. You are required to repent,
believe, and be baptized. Christ was wholly
righteous; yet He, the Saviour of the
world, gave man an example by Himself
taking the steps which He requires the
sinner to take to become a child of God,
an heir of heaven.
"If Christ, the spotless and pure Re-
deemer of man, condescended to take the
steps necessary for the sinner to take in
conversion, why should any, with the light
of truth shining upon their pathway, hesi-
tate to submit their hearts to God, and in
humility confess that they are sinners, and
show their faith in the atonement of Christ
by words and actions, identifying them-
selves with those who profess to be His
followers?"—Testimonies,
vol. 4, pp. 40, 41.
10.
What mode of baptism was
practiced by the early church? Acts
8:38, 39.
NorE.—Only in baptism by immersion do
both minister and candidate go down to-
gether into the water. The Greek word
for "baptize" means literally "to immerse,"
"to cover over with fluid."
11.
What experience is to follow
a Christian's baptism? Rom. 6:3, 4.
[42
7
NOTE.—"Satan does not want anyone to
see the necessity of an entire surrender to
God. When the soul fails to make this sur-
render, sin is not forsaken; the appetites
and passions are striving for the mastery;
temptations confuse the conscience, so that
true conversion does not take place. If all
had a sense of the conflict which each soul
must wage with satanic agencies that are
seeking to ensnare, entice, and deceive, there
would be much more diligent labor for
those who are young in the faith.
"These souls, left to themselves, are often
tempted and do not discern the evil of the
temptation. Let them feel that it is their
privilege to solicit counsel. Let them seek
the society of those who can help them.
Through association with those who love
and fear God they will receive strength."—
Testimonies,
vol. 6, pp. 92, 93.
Conclusion
12. How has Satan attempted to
destroy the meaning of these memori-
als?
ANSWER: By introducing a variety of
un-Biblical practices in various Christian
churches; such as infant baptism, sprin-
kling and pouring, the use of fermented
wine, neglect of the ordinance of humility,
and the practice of giving the wine to the
clergy only.
Noza.—"The ordinances of baptism and
the Lord's Supper are two monumental
pillars, one without and one within the
church. Upon these ordinances Christ has
inscribed the name of the true
God."—Tes-
timonies,
vol. 6, p. 91.
13. What are baptized
believers
admonished to seek? Col. 3:1.
NOTE.—"You must experience a death to
self, and must live unto God. . . . Self is
not to be consulted. Pride, self-love, selfish-
ness, avarice, covetousness, love of the
world, hatred, suspicion, jealousy, evil sur-
misings, must all be subdued and sacrificed
forever. When Christ shall appear, it will
not be to correct these evils and then give
a moral fitness for His coming. This prep-
aration must all be made before He comes.
It should be a subject of thought, of study,
and earnest inquiry, What shall we do to
be saved? What shall be our conduct that
we may show ourselves approved unto
God?"—Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 705.
Lesson 13, for September 25, 1965
Satan's Last Stand
MEMORY VERSE:
"What do ye imagine against the Lord? He will make an utter
end: affliction shall not rise up the second time." Nahum 1:9..
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 30; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;"
"S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To seek to understand the true character of Satan, and how to avoid falling
prey to his sophistries.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Check Here
Wednesday:
Begin reading study
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
0
helps.
Monday:
Questions 6-8.
0
Thursday:
Finish reading study
Tuesday:
Questions 9-13.
0
helps.
Friday:
Review entire lesson.
[ 43 ]
. 3. What is Satan's true character?
Rev. 12:12; 1 Peter 5:8.
NoTE.—"Satan is Christ's personal en-
emy. He is the originator and leader of
every species of rebellion in heaven and
earth. His rage increases; we do not real-
ize his power. If our eyes could be opened
to discern the fallen angels at work with
those who feel at ease and consider them-
selves safe, we would not feel so secure.
Evil angels are upon our track every mo-
ment. We expect a readiness on the part
of bad men to act as Satan suggests; but
while our minds are unguarded against his
invisible agents, they assume new ground
and work marvels and miracles in our
sight. Are we prepared to resist them by
the Word of God, the only weapon we
can use successfully
?"—Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 302.
4.
What novel idea has Satan in-
troduced to deceive the unwary?
ANSWER: The idea that he does not exist.
NOTE.—"None are in greater danger from
the influence of evil spirits than those who,
notwithstanding the direct and ample
testimony of the Scriptures, deny the exis-
tence and agency of the devil and his angels.
So long as we are ignorant of their wiles,
they have almost inconceivable advantage;
many give heed to their suggestions while
they suppose themselves to be following the
dictates of their own wisdom. This is why,
as we approach the close of time, when
Satan is to work with greatest power to
deceive and destroy, he spreads everywhere
the belief that he does not exist. It is his
policy to conceal himself and his manner
of working."—The
Great Controversy,
page
516.
5.
How has Satan caused himself
to be pictured to lead people to reject
the idea of his existence?
ANSWER: As a ridiculous creature, half
animal, half human, complete with pitch-
fork, a being which could not be taken
seriously by any thoughtful person.
[
NOTE.—"The better to disguise his real
character and purposes, he has caused him-
self to be so represented as to excite no
stronger emotion than ridicule or contempt.
He is well pleased to be painted as a ludi-
crous or loathsome object, misshapen, half
animal and half human. He is pleased to
hear his name used in sport and mockery
by those who think themselves intelligent
and well informed.
"It is because he has masked himself with
consummate skill that the question is so
widely asked: 'Does such a being really
exist?' It is an evidence of his success that
theories giving the lie to the plainest testi-
mony of the Scriptures are so generally re-
ceived in the religious world."—The
Great
Controversy,
pages 516, 517.
Satan's Attempts to Blind Mankind
6.
What promise did God make to
man after his fall? Gen. 3:15, first
part.
NOTE.—"God declares:
will put en-
mity.' This enmity is not naturally enter-
tained. When man transgressed the divine
law, his nature became evil, and he was in
harmony, and not at variance, with Satan.
There exists naturally no enmity between
sinful man and the originator of sin. Both
became evil through apostasy. The apos-
tate is never at rest, except as he obtains
sympathy and support by inducing others
to follow his example. For this reason fallen
angels and wicked men unite in desperate
companionship. Had not God specially in-
terposed, Satan and man would have en-
tered into an alliance against Heaven ; and
instead of cherishing enmity against Satan,
the whole human family would have been
united in opposition to God."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 505.
7.
In addition to Satan and the
woman, who else were to experience
this enmity? Gen. 3:15, second part.
NOTE.—"But the purity and holiness of
Christ called forth against Him the hatred
of the ungodly. His life of self-denial and
sinless devotion was a perpetual reproof
to a proud, sensual people. It was this that
evoked enmity against the Son of God.
Satan and evil angels joined with evil men.
All the energies of apostasy conspired
against the Champion of truth.
"The same enmity is manifested toward
Christ's followers as was manifested toward
their Master. Whoever sees the repulsive
character of sin, and in strength from
above resists temptation, will assuredly
arouse the wrath of Satan and his subjects.
Hatred of the pure principles of truth, and
reproach and persecution of its advocates,
will exist as long as sin and sinners remain.
The followers of Christ and the servants of
Satan cannot harmonize."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
pages 506, 507.
8.
What has Satan done to prevent
man's acceptance of the gospel? 2
Cor. 4:4.
"Satan is constantly drawing the peo-
ple from saving light to custom and fash-
ion, irrespective of physical, mental, and
moral health. The great enemy knows that
if appetite and passion predominate, health
of body and strength of intellect are sacri-
ficed upon the altar of self-gratification,
and man is brought to speedy ruin."—Mes-
sages to Young People,
page 237.
The Annihilation of Evil
9.
What assurance is given that
Satan will ultimately be destroyed?
Heb. 2:14.
10.
How is Satan's destruction pic-
tured in the Bible? Ezek. 28:16-19;
Rev. 20:10; 21:4 (last part), 27.
Nora.—"The wicked are filled with the
same hatred of God that inspires Satan;
but they see that their case is hopeless, that
they cannot prevail against Jehovah. Their
rage is kindled against Satan and those who
have been his agents in deception, and with
the fury of demons they turn upon them."
—The Great Controversy,
page 672.
11.
What comforting assurance is
given to God's afflicted people? Na-
hum 1:9.
NOTE.—"The whole universe will have
become witnesses to the nature and results
of sin. And its utter extermination, which
in the beginning would have brought fear
to angels and dishonor to God, will now
vindicate His love and establish His honor
before the universe of beings who delight
to do His will, and in whose heart is His
law. Never will evil again be manifest."—
The Great Controversy,
page 504.
12.
With what joyous hymn will
the redeemed in heaven praise God?
Rev. 7:9, 10.
NoTE.—"The redeemed raise a song of
praise that echoes and reechoes through the
vaults of heaven: 'Salvation to our God
which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the
Lamb.' . . . And angel and seraph unite
their voices in adoration. As the redeemed
have beheld the power and malignity of
Satan, they have seen, as never before, that
no power but that of Christ could have
made them conquerors. In all that shining
throng there are none to ascribe salvation
to themselves, as if they had •prevailed by
their own power and goodness. Nothing is
said of what they have done or suffered;
but the burden of every song, the keynote
of every anthem, is: Salvation to our God,
and unto the Lamb."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 665.
13.
What invitation does Christ ex-
tend to every living soul? Rev. 22:17.
"The Lord designs that the means
entrusted to us shall be used in
building up His kingdom."—"Coun-
sels on Stewardship," page 35.
[ 46 ]
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
September 25, 1965
SOUTHERN EUROPEAN DIVISION
The Southern European Division is made up of fifty-seven countries ,
and islands, including the Vatican State, with territory on three con-
tinents. Think of the tremendous task of covering such a vast territory
and of the great variety of languages in which the work must be con-
ducted. In this total population of 310,168,036, we have 1,567 Adventist
churches, with a membership of 114,419, but with a Sabbath school
membership of 161,803, as of June 3o, 1964.
One of the greatest needs for carrying on the work in this inter-
national field is the need for trained workers. The French Adventist
Seminary at Collonges, France, has been filling this need for a number
of years. Our increasing membership means an increasing enrollment
at the seminary, and that is the reason this senior college has been named
to be the recipient of a part of the overflow from the Thirteenth Sab-
bath Offering on September 25, for the purpose of building a new girls'
dormitory. The rest of the overflow will go to build a new mission
station near Abong Mbang, South Cameroun, Africa, one of the mis-
sion fields of the Southern European Division.
Lessons for the Fourth Quarter of 1965
Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for
the fourth quarter of 1965 will be helped by the following outline in studying the
first lesson. The title of the lessons for the quarter is "The Church in the Christian
Era." The title of the first lesson is "What Is the Church?" The memory verse is
Ephesians 1:22, 23. The study helps are
The Desire of Ages,
pages 412-414;
Testi-
monies to Ministers,
pages 15-23;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 595, 596. The
texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. 1 Cor. 11:18; 14:4, 28, 35.
Ques. 2. 1 Cor. 1:2.
Ques. 3. Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:12; Rom.
12:4, 5.
Ques. 4. Eph. 2:18, 19.
Ques. 5. Eph. 3:14, 15; Heb. 12:22-24.
Ques. 6. Heb. 1:13, 14; Ps. 34:7.
Ques. 7. Eph. 1:3-6; Gal. 4:4-6.
I 47 I
Ques. 8. Eph. 2:12, 13, 16, 18.
Ques. 9. 2 Cor. 6:17,.18; John 1:12.
Ques. 10. 1 John 4:7, 10, 11.
Ques. 11. Eph. 2:21.
Ques. 12. Eph. 2:20; 1 Cor. 3:11.
Ques. 13. 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Cor. 3:16.
Ques. 14. Eph. 2:22.
BELGIUM
PORTUGAL
CORSICA
MOROCCO
9.41331014 STATION
MTN CAMEROUN
RIO
MUNI
ATLANTIC OCEAN
SOUTHERN
EUROPEAN
DIVISION
LUXEMBOURG
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
FRANCE
GIRLS' Dammam'
FRENCH ADVENTIST SEMINARY
SWITZERLAND
V
YUGOSLAVIA
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
SARDINIA
ALGERIA
TUNISIA
pm
11
0.11.
ANGOLA U. M.
1.904949
63
13,791
31,943
...,.
c,...,
AUSTRIAN U. C
7067,432
40
2,052
3,009
EINGARIAN MISSION
7.169000
71
2.766
2,900
CDFCHOSLOVAILMN U. C
14000.0E0
50
LW
1.925
EQUAT. MIKAN U.
u.
6.641.493
40
4779
25.946
, E•
6,
2IANCO.9ELGMN U.
C
53030000
IN
5523
3.
4
4.3
GREED MISSION
9934,600
5
201
214
HUNGARIAN U. C
10110.0E0
153
5.913
DIM
(
Nos.
INDIAN OCEAN U. M.
7206000
103
5,525
9.563
D4194
ISRAEL MISSION
14250.000
3
50
SS
ITALIAN U. M.
50,463962
5/
50E6
3.229
MOZAAMIQUE MISSION
6,335000
17
9027
113.
CHAD
NORTH AFRICAN U. M.
26914,0E0
II
421
191
PORTUGUESE U. M.
10,710000
34
2,335
3,122
RUMANIAN U. C
11,403000
SII
3450
51,743
SENEGAL MISSION
13.137000
2
17
70.
SPANISH CHURCH
30.379503
21
1239
2.202
CAMEROON
SWISS U. C
56600:0
59
3536
UN
YUGOSLAVIAN U. C.
19500403
132
9342
9,450
— — —
DIVISION TOTALS
310,169036
1569
114,942
161,151
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
CONGO
GABON